CHAOS

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Chapter Sixteen

"Once you see my face, no going back, Seline," Jason spoke, his voice calm but edged with a quiet intensity. His hand hovered near the edge of his mask, the threat—or promise—of revelation heavy in the air.

"Wait!" Seline's voice broke through before she could think. She couldn't agree to something she didn't know or understand. Her heart raced, her thoughts a blur. "What do you mean by 'no going back'?" she questioned, her voice sharper now, tinged with both defiance and fear.

Jason furrowed his brows, his hand retreating as he stepped back slightly. His silence filled the room like a tangible weight. For a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer. Then, suddenly, he chuckled, a low, humorless sound.

"You always have to ask questions, don't you?" he said, . " But I must say, your timing sucks."

Seline bristled but couldn't form a reply. She swallowed hard, her throat dry, as the weight of the moment pressed down on her. Before she could gather her thoughts, Jason's phone buzzed, shattering the fragile tension between them.

He pulled the phone from his pocket, his eyes narrowing at the screen. Without a word, he stepped away, moving toward the far side of the room. Seline watched him, her unease deepening. He answered the call in a low voice she couldn't make out, his back turned to her.

The atmosphere felt colder now. Her mind raced, questioning everything—Jason's motives, his cryptic warnings, her own decision to follow him this far. Mr Blake didn't even know she was doing this

When Jason hung up, his movements were sharp, tense, as though the call had only confirmed something he already knew. He didn't speak at first, simply turning to her with an expression she couldn't read.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice hesitant, trying to pierce the wall he'd built between them.

"Did you tell anyone you were coming here?" Jason's voice was low, but the urgency in it sent a chill down her spine.

She blinked, caught off guard. "What? No—why would I—"

"Are you sure?" he pressed, stepping closer. His gaze pinned her in place.

"Yes!" she said, her voice rising slightly. "Jason, what's—"

"We need to leave." He didn't wait for her response, didn't give her time to protest. Gripping her wrist again, he pulled her toward the door.

The tension between them was a live wire, snapping and sparking with every unanswered question. His pace was fast, his grip firm, and despite her confusion, Seline didn't resist.

They descended the stairs quickly, weaving through the dimly lit club. The pounding music felt distant now, drowned out by the thrum of her pulse. Jason moved with purpose, his focus razor-sharp, scanning the crowd as though searching for something—or someone.

"Jason," she tried again, struggling to keep up with his stride, "what's going on? Why are you—"

He didn't answer. At the back exit, he paused only long enough to shove the door open, pulling her into the cool night air.

"Get in the car," he said sharply, nodding toward a sleek black vehicle parked nearby.

"No," Seline said, yanking her arm free. She stepped back, her voice shaking. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on."

Jason's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "Seline, not now."

"And I deserve a proper explanation for what's happening!" she shot back, her courage rising despite the fear gnawing at her. "Why are we suddenly running, Jason? Why won't you—"

Gunshots shattered the night.

The sound was deafening, sharp cracks that sliced through her words. Seline froze, her heart lurching as she instinctively ducked. Jason moved instantly, pulling her down with him as chaos erupted around them.

Masked men emerged from the shadows, their weapons trained on the two of them. Jason's grip on her tightened, his body taut with tension as he shielded her.

"Jason!" she cried out, panic surging in her chest.

"Stay down," he ordered, his voice hard but steady.

Seline's breathing came in ragged gasps as she pressed herself against the cold pavement. Her mind reeled, but one thought rose above the chaos: Jason had known this was coming.

He glanced at her briefly, his eyes sharp and unrelenting. "Do exactly as I say, Seline. No questions. No hesitation."

For the first time, she saw something raw in his eys—fear, yes, but also determination.

And for the first time, she realized just how far she was from understanding the man who had brought her here.

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