Beneath the Mask

The city blurred past as the car sped through the empty streets.

Elena sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, eyes locked on Adrian.

He gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles white. The silence between them was thick—too many questions, not enough answers.

Finally, she spoke.

"I need the truth."

Adrian didn't look at her. "You already know it."

She clenched her fists. "No. I know what they told me. I know what the evidence says. But I don't know what's real."

Adrian let out a slow breath. "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."

Elena laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Try me."

He hesitated, his grip on the wheel tightening.

Then, in a low voice, he said, "I'm not the man you think I am."

Her stomach twisted.

Was this a confession?

Before she could press him, Adrian made a sharp turn into an alleyway.

"Get down."

"What—"

"Now."

Something in his tone made her obey. She ducked as Adrian reached into his jacket, pulling out a gun.

A second later, the windshield shattered.

Elena's heart pounded as bullets ripped through the car.

Adrian slammed the gear into reverse, tires screeching as he maneuvered them out of the alley.

A black SUV sped after them.

Adrian swore under his breath. "They never quit."

Elena grabbed her own weapon, checking the magazine. "Who are they?"

"No time for that," Adrian muttered.

She turned to the back window—two men in the SUV aimed at them.

Bang. Bang.

Glass shattered again.

Adrian took another sharp turn, sending them onto an empty road. The SUV skidded behind them, struggling to keep up.

Elena took a deep breath, rolled down her window, and fired.

A tire burst. The SUV swerved violently, crashing into a streetlight.

Silence.

Elena's pulse was still racing. She turned back to Adrian.

He was watching her.

And he was smiling.

"What?" she snapped.

His smirk deepened. "You're good under pressure."

She scowled. "Shut up and drive."

He chuckled but didn't argue.

As they drove into the night, Elena's mind swirled.

She had a mission. She had orders.

But for the first time—

She wasn't sure if she could follow them.

Because Adrian Cross wasn't just a criminal.

He was something else.

And she was going to find out exactly what.