The Line Between Life and Death

Evelyn's legs burned as she ran, Luca's weight pressing against her back. Every breath felt like fire, but she didn't stop. Couldn't.

Killian's men were closing in. Shouts. Gunfire. Footsteps pounding against the dirt.

The black SUV Henry mentioned was ahead, parked just beyond the clearing. The driver's side door was open—keys still in the ignition.

Dante stumbled beside her, clutching his ribs. "You drive. I'll cover you."

Evelyn nodded. No time to think—only to act.

She yanked open the back door and pulled Luca inside. He groaned—a weak sound that sent fear clawing up her throat.

She touched his face. Too cold. Too pale.

"Stay with me," she whispered. "Just a little longer."

His eyes barely flickered open. His lips parted, but no words came out.

"Eve, move!" Dante shouted.

Gunshots. Sparks flew as bullets hit metal.

Evelyn threw herself into the driver's seat and slammed the door shut.

The second Dante jumped in, she hit the gas. The tires screeched, the car fishtailing as they sped onto the road.

A glance in the rearview mirror—Killian's men flooding out of the cabin, weapons raised.

A bullet shattered the back window.

Evelyn ducked, but she didn't slow down.

Luca's ragged breathing filled the space between them. Each sound was a countdown.

Dante twisted in his seat, wincing. "He's losing too much blood. We need a hospital."

They both knew that wasn't an option.

Killian had people everywhere. A hospital would be a death sentence.

Evelyn gritted her teeth, her grip tightening on the wheel.

"We'll take him to the safe house," she said, voice like steel.

Dante didn't argue.

Because at this moment, there was only one truth:

If Luca died, so did she.

—

Next Chapter: A Heartbeat Away from Forever