Chapter 12: Escape and Betrayal

The highway stretched endlessly ahead as Liam and Amara crossed state lines, leaving everything behind. Amara sat in the passenger seat, her fingers gripping the edge of her seat, her mind racing with everything that had just happened.

The cult. The truth. The need to run.

Liam reached over and squeezed her hand. "We'll be safe soon."

She turned to him, eyes clouded with doubt. "Will we?"

He exhaled, focusing on the road. "I'll make sure of it."

They drove for hours before finally arriving in a new city—a place neither of them had been before. The skyline shimmered in the golden hues of sunset as Liam pulled up to a luxury hotel in the heart of downtown.

"Here?" Amara asked, eyeing the lavish exterior.

Liam nodded. "For now. We need a place where we won't stand out."

The hotel's interior was breathtaking—marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the city, and the scent of fresh roses lingering in the air. Their suite was equally stunning, with plush furnishings and a sprawling balcony that overlooked the ocean.

Amara walked to the window, her arms wrapped around herself. She should've felt safe, but her heart was still pounding.

Liam came up behind her, his arms sliding around her waist. "You're overthinking."

She sighed. "How can I not? Everything is happening so fast."

His lips brushed against the side of her neck. "Then let me slow it down for you."

She turned to him, her breath hitching as his fingers traced the curve of her cheek. His touch was gentle, reassuring, yet filled with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"Liam…" she whispered.

He leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. "I almost lost you once. I won't let it happen again."

She closed her eyes as his lips captured hers—slow and deliberate, as if he was memorizing every inch of her. His hands slid down her back, pulling her closer.

Their bodies molded together, heat building between them as he deepened the kiss, his fingers tangling in her hair. She melted into him, allowing herself to forget the fear, the danger—everything except the way he made her feel.

Liam lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed, their lips never parting. The city lights flickered through the windows as he worshiped her with his touch, his whispered promises sealing the moment between them.

That night, fear no longer ruled her. Only Liam did.

The Next Morning

Amara stirred as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the windows. Liam was already awake, his arm draped protectively around her.

"Good morning, trouble," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

She sighed into his touch, momentarily forgetting the chaos. "Morning."

He sat up, brushing her hair back. "I have news."

She arched a brow. "Good or bad?"

"Depends on how you take it." He smirked. "I used my connections to secure our new identities. They'll be here soon."

Relief washed over her. "So, we're finally safe?"

His expression darkened. "Not yet. We're leaving the country tonight. I've booked a private jet to Europe."

Her lips parted in shock. "Europe?"

Liam nodded. "We'll stay hidden until I figure out how to deal with them."

She swallowed hard. "This is really happening."

He cupped her face. "I promised I'd protect you. This is the only way."

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed. She frowned—no one was supposed to have her number. When she checked the screen, her heart lifted.

Claire.

She quickly answered the video call, a shaky smile forming.

"Where the hell have you been?" Claire teased. "Your background looks crazy luxurious. Spill, girl."

Amara laughed softly. "It's a long story, Claire. I'll explain later."

"Later?" Claire pouted. "You disappeared after your yacht break. I was about to—"

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through Claire's side of the call.

Amara's blood ran cold. "Claire

"Claire?" she called, panic creeping into her voice.

Claire's face twisted in confusion as she turned toward the source of the noise. The sound of heavy footsteps filled the background. Then—gunshots.

The screen blurred as Claire's phone tumbled to the floor. Amara watched in horror as Claire collapsed, her body hitting the ground with a sickening thud.

"CLAIRE!" Amara screamed, her hands trembling.

The phone was picked up—by someone else.

A man in a black mask filled the screen, his dark eyes locking onto Amara's. "You're next," he said, his voice cold and emotionless. "You won't escape this time."

The call ended.

Amara's phone slipped from her hands, hitting the plush carpet with a soft thud. She could still hear Claire's voice echoing in her mind, see the way she fell.

They killed her.

She gasped for air, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Liam was already in front of her, grabbing her shoulders. "Amara! Look at me!"

She couldn't. Claire was dead because of her.

Liam grabbed her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Listen to me. We are gonna be alright okay! We'll be fine but we need to move. Do you understand?"

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "They killed her, Liam! She was just on the phone with me, and now she's gone!"

Liam pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. "I know. I know, baby." His voice softened, filled with an anguish she rarely heard. "But if we stay here, they'll come for us next."

She clutched his shirt, her entire body wracked with sobs.

Liam whispered into her hair. "I won't let them take you from me. I swear it."

A knock on the door made them both freeze.

Liam pulled back, his instincts kicking in. "That should be our documents."

Amara didn't want him to leave her, not now. Her grip tightened on his arm.

He kissed her forehead. "I'll be right back. Stay here. Lock the door."

She nodded weakly, but her entire body was still trembling.

Liam grabbed a knife from the bedside table before stepping out, locking the door behind him.

Liam returned less than five minutes later, the new passports and IDs in hand. "We're set," he said, stepping inside.

But something was wrong.

The room was empty.

His pulse spiked. "Amara?"

Silence.

His heart pounded as he checked the bathroom. Empty. The balcony. Nothing.

Then he noticed—the hotel room door was slightly open.

Panic hit him like a truck. No, no, no.

Liam sprinted out of the room, his breath coming fast and hard. His mind was screaming one thing—they took her.

He ran down the hallway, bursting through the stairwell doors, taking the steps three at a time. His gut told him to head for the parking lot.

Please, let me be wrong.

As he reached the underground garage, he saw her.

Amara was struggling against two men in black, their guns pressed against her back as they shoved her toward a waiting black van.

Rage exploded in his chest.

Without hesitation, he reached for the small gun tucked into his shoe. He dropped behind a parked car, took aim, and fired.

One of the men crumpled instantly.

The second man spun around, raising his gun, but Liam had already moved—rolling behind another car before taking his next shot.

The second man dropped.

The garage was silent, except for Amara's ragged breathing.

She was standing frozen, her hands shaking.

Liam was at her side in seconds, grabbing her, his hands running over her to make sure she wasn't hurt. "Are you okay? Did they touch you?"

Tears spilled down her face as she clung to him. "I told you not to leave me."

He cupped her face, his thumb brushing away her tears. "I swear to you, I won't leave your side again."

Her lips trembled. "Promise?"

Liam leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "I promise." Then, softly, he whispered, "I love you."

Her breath hitched. Despite everything, she managed a small nod. "I love you too."

His arms tightened around her, as if he could shield her from everything. But they had no time to waste.

Liam pulled back. "We have to go. Now."

He grabbed her hand, leading her toward the hotel entrance. He called for an Uber as they stepped outside, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any more threats.

When the car pulled up, he helped Amara inside, never letting go of her hand.

As they sped toward the airport, he held her close, whispering reassurances.

Tonight, they would be gone.

But Liam knew this wasn't over.

Not yet.