Maya POV
The rumble of the Range Rover’s engine faded into the sighing wind as Shaw cut the ignition. Outside, rain lashed against the reinforced windows of the sprawling, modern lodge tucked deep within the Scottish Highlands. Mountains, dark and imposing even in the gloom, ringed the secluded valley. It wasn't just remote; it felt like the edge of the world.
"Perimeter sweep complete, sir," Vance’s voice came through the communication gadget Shaw wore. "All secure."
"Copy," Shaw nodded, his gaze scanning the tree line one last time before he turned to us. "Clear to disembark, Mr. Hale, Miss Carter."
Nicholas squeezed my hand where it rested on the console between us. His grip was firm, grounding, but the tension humming through him hadn’t fully eased since we’d left the penthouse und
