C-11

Ruth's POV

The room was warm and quiet, the kind of silence that makes you feel small but safe. I sat up, my feet brushing against the cool cement floor. My head felt heavy, like I'd slept for days, but when I checked the bedside clock, it read just past 4 a.m.

I rubbed my temples and took a deep breath. The yellow-painted walls were bare save for the thin cracks that traveled along the corners. This was not a fancy place at all, but somehow cozy in its own light. A big wardrobe stood to one side, with even a fireplace, embers faintly glowing inside.

I looked down at myself and froze. My clothes had been changed. The last thing I remembered wearing was the black jumpsuit I'd thrown on back in Shanghai. But now, I was in a simple cotton dress. A chill ran through me as a thousand questions hit me at once. Who changed me? Had something happened while I was unconscious?

My heart racing, I laid a shaking hand on my body, searching for an injury. Nothing. Relieved, yet still ill-at-ease, I stood up and stretched my legs. No soreness. No unusual marks. Just… nothing.

I saw my tote bag sitting on a chair by the window. Rummaging through it, I found everything intact: my phone, passport, and cash. That was reassuring. At least they hadn't stolen from me.

After a quick shower in the surprisingly modern bathroom, I rifled through the wardrobe. It was packed with clothes, each one neatly hung and pressed. I pulled out a gold-colored dress, slipped it on, and tried to push my paranoia aside. One thing was clear-I wasn't in Shanghai anymore. I'd fallen asleep in Frank's car, but now, judging by the decor and the faint smell of jasmine in the air, we were somewhere else entirely. Asia, yes, but… where?

I needed answers, and I knew exactly where to start.

The doorknob turned easily under my hand, and I stepped into a well-lit hallway-for this hour of the morning, at least. The walls here were different, adorned with framed photos of people I didn't recognize. There were names etched beneath each photo, but they meant nothing to me. It felt like the house was holding secrets in its walls, and the air felt heavy.

"Oh, look who's finally up.

I turned toward the voice, my pulse spiking. A woman stood at the end of the hall, her arms crossed casually. Dark, wavy hair cascaded down her back; sharp features framed a face chiseled in granite; and an outfit that screamed action heroine—leather jacket, fitted pants, combat boots—a sight to take one's breath away. This was a woman who could single-handedly flatten a dozen guys and not bat an eyelash.

"Who are you?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

"Name's Esther," she said, smiling like she knew me already. "And you must be Ruth Lee. The one who's got Frank running in circles."

"Frank?" I returned, my defences going up in a hurry. "Where is he?"

The eyebrow arched upwards. "To the point, huh? Ease up, babe; he's around. You are wasting your time with attitude like that, though."

"I don't have time to waste over games." I snapped out. "Where the hell am I?"

Esther chuckled, her boots clicking against the floor as she walked closer. "Relax, princess. You're in a safe house. Somewhere no one can find you."

Her casual tone made my blood boil. "Safe from what?"

"From whoever's after you," she said forthrightly. "And trust me, there are a whole lot of people who'd love to get their hands on you right now. But you're in luck. Frank brought you here, and we don't screw around when it comes to security."

I crossed my arms. "Why should I trust you?"

Esther smirked. "You don't have a choice, sweetheart. Now, if you're done interrogating me, I'll show you around."

She took me reluctantly down some stairs; the house opened into one big underground space, straight out of some spy movie. On one wall lined state-of-the-art computers whose screens flickered continuously with streams of data, a mini-bar on one corner, an area with weights in another and in between them all-a pool table. It was decadent, practical, and just the thing for a hideaway.

Impressed?" Esther asked, turning back to me.

I didn't answer, though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. Instead, I scanned the room, my eyes landing on two men walking in from another entrance. One of them was Frank. The other was a bearded guy in jeans and a plain t-shirt. He carried himself with the ease of someone who'd seen a lot but didn't feel the need to brag about it.

Frank's eyes met mine, and the room shrunk to about half its size. "Ruth," he said. His voice was steady but low. "You're awake."

"No thanks to you," I snapped, crossing my arms.

He didn't bat an eye. He motioned to the other man. "This is Luke. He runs things here.

Luke nodded a bit. "Welcome to our little haven," he said. "Anything you need, just ask."

"Thanks," I muttered, feeling less than grateful. I turned back to Frank. "We need to talk. Alone."

He was loath to, but then he nodded. "Follow me.

We walked to a side room, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife. As soon as the door closed, I rounded on him.

"Who changed my clothes?" I demanded.

Frank's expression didn't waver. "Esther did. You were soaked from the rain, and you needed dry clothes."

My stomach twisted, but I kept my voice steady. "You swear it was her?"

He nodded. "You have my word."

I looked for any semblance of lying, but there wasn't a flicker in his expression. The thought of that kind of vulnerability still sent crawling sensations up my skin. I turned away to collect myself.

"Ruth," he whispered. "I know you are scared. I brought you here to keep you safe. That's all."

I glared back at him, anger bubbling just below the surface. "Safe from what, Frank? You keep saying that, but you won't tell me anything."

He ran a hand through his hair, looking more tired than I'd ever seen him. "There are people after you, powerful people. They think you know something… something they don't want getting out."

"What exactly do they think I know?" I pressed.

Frank's jaw was set and he hesitated. "That's what we need to figure out. But until we do, you need to stay here. Stay hidden."

"What if I don't?" I dared to say.

He moved in closer and dropped his voice to a whisper. "Then you'll die, Ruth. Is that what you want?

His words came like a blow to my face. I wouldn't want to believe him, but in the glint of his eyes, it seemed he wasn't lying. Anger gave place to something heavier and colder.

"Fine," I said in an almost-whispering voice. "But I'm not gonna stay here for all eternity."

Frank nodded at this; for an instant, the flicker of relief danced over his features. "We'll sort this out, I swear.

The door opened behind us, and Esther's head popped in. "Hate to interrupt, but we've got a situation."

Frank turned to her, his expression hardening. "What is it?"

"You might wanna see for yourself," she said, jerking her head toward the main room.

We followed her out, and my heart sank as I saw the computer screens. Live feeds of surveillance cameras showed a group of men in black suits heading towards the house. Armed, and they didn't look like they were here to talk.

"How did they find us?" Frank demanded.

Luke was already barking orders at the others. "Doesn't matter. We need to move. Now.