The drive back to the safehouse was silent. The air was thick with tension as Adrian kept his eyes on the road, his grip on the steering wheel tight. Alia sat beside him, staring out the window, her thoughts racing.
Razlan was defeated, but the victory felt hollow. Letting him live had been the right choice, but it also left the door open for retaliation.
Adrian finally broke the silence. “You’re quiet.”
Alia turned to him, her brows furrowed. “I’m just… processing everything. Tonight was intense.”
He nodded, his jaw clenching. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
She reached over, placing a hand on his arm. “I chose this, Adrian. I knew what I was getting into. I just” She hesitated, struggling to find the words. “I worry about what happens next. Razlan won’t just disappear.”
Adrian’s gaze softened, though his expression remained serious. “We’ll deal with it when the time comes. For now, we focus on regrouping and staying ahead.”
The safehouse was quiet when they arrived, the remnants of their team already scattered to ensure no one tracked their movements. Adrian’s men had taken Razlan to a secure location for questioning, leaving Adrian and Alia alone for the first time in what felt like days.
Adrian walked over to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water. Alia followed, leaning against the counter as she watched him.
“You were incredible back there,” she said, her voice soft.
He looked at her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “So were you.”
Alia shook her head. “I froze at the worst moments. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”
“You didn’t freeze,” Adrian said firmly. “You acted when it mattered. That’s what counts.”
She sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I just… I hate feeling helpless.”
Adrian set his glass down, stepping closer to her. His hands gently cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. “You’re not helpless, Alia. You’re brave, smart, and stronger than you realize. Don’t doubt that.”
Her heart fluttered at his words, and for a moment, the weight of the night lifted.
The calm was short-lived.
A sharp knock at the door shattered the quiet, and Adrian immediately went on high alert. He motioned for Alia to stay back as he approached the door, his gun drawn.
“Who is it?” he called out, his voice cold and commanding.
“It’s Marcus,” came the reply.
Adrian hesitated for a moment before opening the door. Marcus stepped inside, his face grim.
“We’ve got a problem,” he said, glancing at Alia before turning back to Adrian.
“What kind of problem?” Adrian asked, his tone sharp.
Marcus hesitated. “It’s Razlan. He escaped.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. “How?”
“Inside job,” Marcus said bitterly. “Someone on our side sold us out. We’re still trying to figure out who.”
Alia felt a chill run down her spine. The idea that someone within Adrian’s trusted circle could betray him was almost too much to bear.
“What’s his next move?” Adrian asked, his voice low.
Marcus shook his head. “We don’t know yet. But if I had to guess, he’ll come after you. And her.”
Adrian’s gaze flicked to Alia, his expression unreadable. She felt a surge of fear but pushed it down, refusing to let it show.
“We’ll be ready,” Adrian said finally. “Spread the word. Tighten security. And find out who the traitor is.”
Marcus nodded, turning to leave.
Once the door closed, Alia spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “What do we do now?”
Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We prepare for the worst.”
The night stretched on, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Adrian worked tirelessly, going over plans and making calls, while Alia tried to keep her anxiety at bay.
As the first rays of dawn filtered through the window, Adrian finally set down his phone and joined her on the couch.
“You should rest,” he said, his voice soft.
“So should you,” she replied, giving him a tired smile.
He hesitated for a moment before sitting beside her, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “I’ll rest when this is over.”
Alia reached out, taking his hand in hers. “We’ll get through this, Adrian. Together.”
For the first time that night, a genuine smile crossed his face. “Together,” he echoed.
As they sat there, the morning light chasing away the darkness, Alia felt a spark of hope.
No matter what came next, they would face it side by side.
YOU ARE READING
Between Two Worlds
RomanceStory Description A shy doctor, Alia Harith, crosses paths with Adrian, a stoic mafia member, when she saves him from near death. Despite their contrasting worlds, their connection deepens as they face danger, betrayal, and forbidden love. Together...
