From Nemises To Lovers

The city was alive with sirens, flashing lights cutting through the darkness as police and private security flooded the high-rise. Langston's empire had taken a devastating hit, but Isabella knew better than to celebrate.

He wouldn't take this lying down.

Inside the van, Claire maneuvered through the side streets, keeping their movements unpredictable. Damian monitored his laptop, fingers flying across the keys. "Langston's already responding. He's locking down his remaining assets, calling in reinforcements."

Alexander exhaled sharply. "How much time do we have before he retaliates?"

Damian's expression darkened. "Not much."

They reached the second safe house a small, abandoned warehouse at the city's edge. Inside, Claire set up the surveillance feeds while Damian worked to intercept Langston's communications.

Then, the inevitable happened.

BOOM.

The explosion rocked the ground beneath them, sending a shockwave through the air. Flames erupted from the warehouse across the street one of their secondary hideouts, now reduced to rubble.

Isabella's heart pounded. He had found them.

Damian's screen lit up with a warning. "Langston's men are closing in. We need to move. Now."

They barely had time to grab their gear before the roar of approaching engines filled the air. Black SUVs skidded to a halt outside, armed men pouring out, weapons raised.

Claire revved the engine. "Hold on!"

The van lurched forward, tires screeching as bullets slammed into the metal frame. Isabella gritted her teeth, gripping the seat as Claire took a sharp turn, barely missing another oncoming vehicle.

Alexander checked his weapon. "They're not backing off."

Damian hacked into the city's traffic grid. "I can reroute us, but you won't like it."

Isabella glanced at him. "Do it."

Moments later, the streetlights ahead blinked green for them. But behind them, the intersections jammed, causing Langston's men to crash into unexpected traffic.

It wasn't a victory. It was just a temporary delay.

They sped toward the outskirts of the city, their only advantage being the element of surprise.

Langston had made his move.

Now, it was their turn to end this for good.