Chapter 33: A Dangerous Bargain

Nathaniel barely slept that night.

He lay awake, watching Sabrina's chest rise and fall as she slept beside him. The weight of what had happened—what could have happened—clawed at his insides.

Victor wasn't testing Sabrina. He was breaking her.

And Nathaniel couldn't let that happen.

The next morning, Nathaniel made a decision.

He went to Victor. Alone.

The older man was in his private study, sipping a glass of scotch when Nathaniel entered.

"You're pushing her too far," Nathaniel said coldly.

Victor smirked. "She survived, didn't she?"

Nathaniel clenched his fists. "She shouldn't have to. This isn't her world."

Victor leaned back in his chair. "And yet, she's still here."

Nathaniel's patience was razor-thin. "I want out."

Victor's smirk faded. "Do you?"

Nathaniel stepped forward, his voice low and lethal. "Give me a way out. For both of us."

Victor studied him carefully before setting his glass down. "You want freedom?" He leaned forward. "Then earn it."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "What do you want?"

Victor's lips curled. "One last job."

Nathaniel stiffened.

Victor continued. "There's a man—Elias Corrado. A problem that needs removing."

Nathaniel already knew the name. Elias was one of the most powerful figures in the underground network—dangerous, ruthless, and nearly untouchable.

Victor's voice was smooth. "Take care of him, and you and Sabrina walk away. Clean."

Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "That's it?"

Victor chuckled. "That's it."

That Night

Sabrina paced their suite, her heart pounding.

Nathaniel had been gone all day, and when he returned, his face was unreadable.

"What happened?" she demanded.

He took a breath, then met her gaze. "Victor offered us a way out."

Her stomach twisted. "How?"

His voice was tight. "One last job."

Sabrina swallowed hard. "What kind of job?"

Nathaniel hesitated. "Assassination."

Her blood ran cold.

Nathaniel reached for her hands, his grip firm. "If I do this, we're free."

Sabrina's eyes burned. "And if you fail?"

His silence was answer enough.

She shook her head. "No. We'll find another way."

"There is no other way."

Tears stung her eyes. "Nathaniel, I can't lose you."

His hand cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a tear. "You won't."

Her lips trembled. "Promise me."

His lips ghosted over hers, soft and fleeting. "I promise."

But deep down, they both knew—some promises were impossible to keep.