As the van pulled away, reality slammed into me.
For the first time, tears burned down my face.
I wasn’t just running anymore.
I was caught.
And as Fang sat across from, his eyes studying me. I had no idea how I was going to get out before he hurt me again.
THE VAN RUMBLEDover the uneven road, the enginegrowling like it was on its last leg. I leaned back against the cold metal wall, stretching my legs out, letting the vibration settle in my bones.
Lucy sat across from me, back pressed against the opposite side of the van, knees pulled tight to her chest. She was trying to look tough. But I saw through it.
She wasn’t just exhausted—she was done.
Her chest still rose and fell too fast, like she couldn’t slow it down. Her hands trembled where they gripped the strap of her bag, as if she actually thought that bag was gonna save her.
I smirked, watching her through the murky light filtering in through the back windows.
She wouldn’t look at me.
That was fine. I had time.
One of our prospects, Nico, was behind the wheel, taking us to the drop point. The other, Reyes, sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, his knuckles still busted from our last job. Neither of them spoke. They knew better.
This moment was mine.
I let the silence stretch, let the weight of it press down on her. Let her stew.
Then, finally—
“What are you staring at?”
Her voice was hoarse, dry, but steady even though I knew she was scared as shit.
I chuckled. “Four days on the run, love, and you’re lookin’ a little rough. You seen a mirror lately?”
Her jaw tightened, but she still wouldn’t meet my eyes.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, letting the van’s low hum roll between us.
“You’re tired,” I said, keeping my voice smooth, calm. “Bet your legs feel like lead. Bet your head’s spinnin’. Probably wonderin’ how the hell I caught up with you so fast.”
Nothing.
I smirked. “Want a hint?”
She swallowed, her fingers flexing against the fabric of her jeans.
“You were sloppy,” I continued, my tone almost conversational. “Thought you covered your tracks, didn’t you? Paid cash, ditched your phone, kept your head down. But you made a mistake, Lucy.”
She finally looked up then, those tired eyes locking onto mine.
She didn’t ask. Didn’t take the bait.
I grinned anyway.
“People notice a woman like you,” I said. “Especially one movin’ like she’s got the devil on her heels. You blend in for the first day or two. Maybe three. But eventually, someone’s gonna remember you. And guess what?”