Into the Fire

The club was loud, pulsing with music and dim neon lights, a stark contrast to the tension settling between them.

Evelyn adjusted the sleek black dress she had reluctantly put on. It wasn't her usual style, but blending in was necessary.

Theo, standing beside her in a sharp black suit, looked calm as ever. But she could feel it—the quiet storm brewing beneath the surface.

Ethan, already stationed at the bar, gave a subtle nod. "Our guy is in the VIP lounge. Goes by Luca Moreau. If he's the leak, we'll know soon enough."

Theo glanced at Evelyn. "Ready?"

She smirked. "Always."

---

They moved through the crowd effortlessly. The club reeked of alcohol and desperation, people lost in their own worlds.

Evelyn kept her eyes on their target. Luca Moreau sat in a booth, surrounded by women, a drink in his hand.

He didn't look dangerous.

But appearances meant nothing in this world.

Theo leaned down, his breath warm against Evelyn's ear. "You go in first. Get his attention. I'll follow."

She rolled her eyes. "So I'm the bait?"

A ghost of a smirk tugged at Theo's lips. "You're the distraction."

She scoffed but didn't argue. Instead, she sauntered forward, weaving through the tables until she reached Luca's booth.

She leaned on the edge of the table, tilting her head slightly. "Mind if I join?"

Luca's gaze flickered to her. Then, slowly, a smirk spread across his lips. "That depends. Who are you?"

She smiled, her fingers tracing the rim of an empty glass. "Someone looking for a good time."

Luca chuckled, clearly intrigued. "Then by all means, sit."

She did. But she wasn't alone for long.

Theo moved in smoothly, placing a hand on Evelyn's shoulder as he slid into the booth beside her.

Luca's expression shifted. "And who's this?"

Theo's smile was anything but friendly. "Just here to make sure she's safe."

Luca leaned back, amused. "Protective type, huh?"

Evelyn laughed lightly, playing along. "You could say that."

For a moment, it was all harmless banter.

But then Theo's voice dropped, and all amusement vanished.

"You've been talking to Moretti."

The shift was immediate.

Luca tensed, his fingers curling around his glass. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Theo's eyes darkened. "Don't lie."

Luca exhaled sharply, glancing around. "You have no idea what you're getting into."

Evelyn leaned in, her voice calm but firm. "Then enlighten us."

Luca hesitated.

Then, in a low voice, he muttered, "You think Moretti is the only one after you?"

Theo stilled.

Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"

Luca's gaze flickered to Theo. "You don't even know, do you?"

Theo's jaw clenched. "Know what?"

Luca smirked, but it wasn't cocky anymore. It was almost… pitying.

"Moretti isn't your biggest threat."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine.

Before she could press further—

A gunshot rang out.

---

Chaos Unleashed

Screams erupted as people scrambled for cover.

Theo moved instantly, grabbing Evelyn and pulling her down behind the booth.

Ethan was already on the move, gun drawn.

Luca was hit.

Blood seeped through his shirt as he gasped, eyes wide with shock.

Evelyn pressed her hands against the wound instinctively. "Stay with me."

Luca coughed, struggling to speak.

Theo grabbed him by the collar. "Who else is after us?"

Luca's breaths were ragged. "Y-you're… too late."

His body went limp.

Evelyn exhaled shakily.

Theo cursed under his breath.

Then he grabbed her hand. "We need to go. Now."

They pushed through the chaos, slipping out the back just as sirens wailed in the distance.

Ethan pulled up in the car, doors already unlocked.

They barely made it inside before speeding off into the night.

---

Alone in the Aftermath

They didn't stop driving until they were miles away.

Ethan parked at a secluded spot near the docks, letting silence settle between them.

Evelyn leaned her head against the window, exhaustion creeping in.

Theo sat beside her, his expression unreadable.

After a long moment, he sighed. "Are you okay?"

She turned to him, a tired smile on her lips. "I think that's my line."

A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "You're always the one running into danger first."

She smirked. "And yet, you always pull me out."

His gaze softened. "Always."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, without thinking, Evelyn reached over, fingers brushing against his hand.

Theo didn't pull away.

He just sat there, warm and steady, like an anchor in the storm.

And for now, that was enough.

End of Chapter 29