Sophia’s POV

The woman stumbles as I pull her forward, her breathing ragged. I tighten my grip on her arm, steadying her as we move toward the car. Every second feels stretched, my heart pounding in my ears. Behind us, another gunshot rings out, followed by the sharp sound of something crashing to the floor.

She gasps, trying to turn back. “What about—”

“They’ll handle it,” I say quickly, pushing forward.

I have no idea if that’s true. But I can’t afford to stop.

The night air feels thick with tension as we reach the car. Cole had parked it behind a stack of shipping containers, mostly hidden from view. I open the back door and practically shove her inside.

“Stay down,” I tell her. “Don’t move until I say.”

She nods, her hands still trembling.

I whirl around, scanning the dark alley leading back to the warehouse. My chest tightens. Where are Adrian and Cole?

I step forward. My legs feel like lead. The smart thing to do would be to stay put, keep my head down, and wait. But I’ve never been good at doing the smart thing.

Before I can take another step, I hear footsteps—quick and heavy.

Then, suddenly, Adrian appears.

His shirt is slightly torn, and there’s a smear of blood on his knuckles, but otherwise, he looks fine. Cole is a few steps behind him, breathing hard but unharmed.

“Get in the car,” Adrian orders.

I don’t argue. I dive into the backseat beside the woman, and Adrian slides in next to me while Cole jumps into the driver’s seat.

The moment the doors slam shut, the car lurches forward, speeding away from the docks.

For a few minutes, no one speaks. The only sound is the heavy breathing filling the space between us.

Then, the woman lets out a shaky breath. “I—I thought I was going to die in there.”

I turn to her. Up close, I can see the cuts on her face, the bruises blooming across her cheek. She looks exhausted, barely holding herself together.

“What’s your name?” I ask gently.

She hesitates before whispering, “Emma.”

I glance at Adrian, but his face is unreadable.

Emma swallows hard. “You came for me,” she says, looking at Adrian now.

His jaw tightens. “You shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”

Her eyes glisten. “I didn’t have a choice.”

I watch them carefully. There’s history here—painful, complicated history.

Adrian runs a hand through his hair, exhaling. “How did they find you?”

Emma shakes her head. “I don’t know. I was careful. I changed my name, moved to a different city, stayed off the grid.” She pauses, her fingers gripping her dress tightly. “But then, one day, I came home, and they were waiting for me.”

A chill runs through me.

“Who are they?” I ask, my voice quieter now.

Emma hesitates again. Then she looks at Adrian. “Does she know?”

Adrian doesn’t answer immediately.

I sit up straighter. “If you’re about to talk about me like I’m not here, don’t bother,” I say. “I already know something bad is happening. What I don’t know is why.”

Adrian exhales. “Sophia, drop it.”

“No,” I snap. “I’m tired of being told to back off. If I was in danger before, I sure as hell am now. So, somebody better start talking.”

Emma glances between us before lowering her voice. “It’s a trafficking ring.”

I freeze.

Her hands tighten into fists. “Women, children… they take them, make them disappear. Some are sold. Some are killed. Some…” She trails off, her voice breaking.

I feel sick.

I turn to Adrian. “And you knew about this?”

His expression darkens. “I’ve been trying to shut it down for years.”

Emma looks at him sharply. “Trying? Adrian, they’re stronger than ever.”

His lips press into a thin line. “I know.”

I shake my head, trying to process. “So, this is what that folder was about? This is what you’ve been hiding?”

Adrian’s silence is enough of an answer.

Emma shifts in her seat, wrapping her arms around herself. “They’re not just criminals,” she murmurs. “They’re powerful. They have connections in places you wouldn’t believe.”

Cole speaks for the first time. “We’ve taken out some of their people before. But it’s like cutting off a head—two more grow back.”

My stomach twists. “And you thought you could handle this alone?”

Adrian looks at me. “I wasn’t alone.”

I glance at Emma, then back at him. “Is that why you thought she was dead?”

Emma flinches.

Adrian’s face hardens. “She was supposed to be.”

The car falls silent again.

I exhale, rubbing my temples. “Okay. So, what now?”

Emma looks down at her hands. “I need to disappear again.”

Adrian shakes his head. “That won’t work.”

Her eyes widen. “I can’t stay. They’ll come after me again.”

“You don’t have a choice,” he says firmly.

She swallows. “Then what do I do?”

Adrian’s jaw clenches. “You stay with me.”

Emma blinks. “With you?”

I glance between them, something twisting in my chest.

“She’s not safe anywhere else,” Adrian says. “Not until we take them down for good.”

Emma hesitates, then nods. “Fine.”

I exhale slowly.

Adrian turns to me. “You too.”

I frown. “What?”

“You’re not going back to your apartment.”

I glare at him. “I don’t need protecting.”

“Yeah?” Adrian leans in slightly, his voice low. “Then what’s your plan, Sophia? Go home? Wait for them to find you?”

I hate that he has a point.

I cross my arms. “So, what, I’m just supposed to be your hostage now?”

He smirks slightly. “Guest.”

I roll my eyes.

Cole clears his throat. “We’re almost there.”

I glance out the window. We’re pulling into a secluded driveway, surrounded by trees. The house is huge, dark brick with tall windows and a heavy-looking door.

Adrian steps out first. “Come on.”

Emma hesitates before following.

I sigh, then climb out too.

The air is cool, carrying the scent of rain. I wrap my arms around myself as Adrian unlocks the front door.

Inside, the house is surprisingly warm. The lights flicker on, revealing sleek furniture, dark wood floors, and an open layout.

Adrian gestures toward the hallway. “There are guest rooms upstairs. Pick one.”

Emma nods, already moving.

I cross my arms. “And where’s my room?”

Adrian raises an eyebrow. “You want one?”

I scowl. “I need one.”

He smirks. “Fine. Third door on the left.”

I turn on my heel and march upstairs, resisting the urge to slam the door behind me.

Once inside, I let out a slow breath.

This is crazy. I should be terrified. But all I feel is determination.

If Adrian thinks I’m going to sit quietly and wait this out, he’s dead wrong.

Because this fight?

It’s just getting started.