From Nemises To Lovers

Isabella sprinted through the haze of smoke and gunfire, her heartbeat a steady drum against the chaos. Langston stood at the entrance, watching like a predator savoring its prey.

She was done running.

Langston smirked as she approached. "I was beginning to think you'd lost your fire, Isabella."

She didn't slow down. With a flick of her wrist, she hurled her knife straight at his chest.

But Langston was prepared.

He sidestepped effortlessly, the blade embedding itself in the wall behind him.

Isabella skidded to a stop, gun now aimed squarely at his heart. "You lost the moment you made this personal."

Langston chuckled, hands casually resting in his coat pockets. "Did I? Because from where I'm standing, you're the one backed into a corner."

At his words, the sound of heavy boots echoed from the stairwell. Reinforcements. More men.

Too many.

Isabella's finger tightened on the trigger. One shot. One chance.

But before she could take it.

A firm grip yanked her back.

Alexander.

"Not now," he growled, dragging her behind cover as bullets ripped through the space where she had just stood.

Isabella cursed under her breath. "We had him."

Alexander didn't loosen his grip. "And we'll have him again. But not like this."

Claire's voice crackled through their earpieces. "Roof. Now."

They exchanged a look. No choice.

With Langston's men closing in, Isabella and Alexander darted toward the stairwell, bullets chasing their heels.

Langston's voice followed them, calm and taunting.

"Run while you can, Isabella. But I always get what I want."

She clenched her jaw, shoving open the rooftop door.

Not this time.

Not ever.