The Trap

Luca's grip on Evelyn's hand tightened as he led her through the dimly lit apartment. The rain outside had turned into a relentless downpour, washing the streets clean but doing nothing to erase the danger lurking in the shadows.

They didn't have much time.

Evelyn's body still ached, but she forced herself to move. She wasn't weak. Not anymore.

Luca stopped near the window, peering out cautiously. The city stretched before them—endless, dark, and unforgiving. A perfect place to disappear. If only Valerio wasn't hunting them like prey.

"You sure you can move?" Luca asked, his voice softer now, but his eyes remained sharp.

"I'm fine." A lie, but a necessary one.

Luca studied her, as if deciding whether to call her bluff. But there was no time for hesitation.

He nodded. "We need to get to the docks."

"The docks?" she frowned. "I thought we were headed west."

"That was before Valerio set a trap." Luca turned to grab a duffel bag from the corner. "He's watching all major routes out of the city. He's expecting us to run."

Evelyn's heart pounded. "And what's the plan now?"

Luca smirked, but there was no humor in it. "We don't run. We walk into the trap."

Her stomach twisted. "That's insane."

"It's the only way."

A tense silence stretched between them. Facing Valerio head-on wasn't just reckless—it was suicide.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "You have a death wish, don't you?"

Luca slung the bag over his shoulder. "Not if I have you watching my back."

She wanted to argue, but deep down, she knew he was right. If they didn't make a move, Valerio would never stop hunting them.

They had to end this.

Now.

---

Next Chapter: Showdown at the Docks