EYES IN THE DARK
582 Words
Chapter Five: Eyes in the Dark
The black car waited for her at the curb, sleek and silent, its tinted windows reflecting the dying light of the city.
Luna hesitated before getting in. Liam’s words still echoed in her head — “Until I find out who sent that note, I’m not taking chances.”
The man who stepped out to open her door looked like he’d been carved from stone. Broad shoulders, calm eyes, no smile. “Miss Evans,” he greeted curtly. “Mr. Moretti asked me to see you home.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, sliding into the back seat.
The drive was quiet at first, the city lights blurring past. Luna tried to calm the knot in her chest. It was probably just a misunderstanding — a jealous coworker, maybe. But deep down, she knew it wasn’t that simple.
Something about the warning note felt real.
And something about Liam’s reaction told her it wasn’t the first time he’d dealt with threats.
Halfway through the drive, she glanced at the rearview mirror. The driver’s gaze flicked there too — sharp, alert.
“What is it?” she asked.
He didn’t answer at first, only pressed slightly on the accelerator. “Just stay calm.”
Luna’s heart pounded. “What’s going on?”
“There’s a car behind us. Been trailing since we left your building.”
She turned her head, catching the faint reflection of headlights in the darkness. “Maybe it’s nothing—”
“It’s something.” His voice was flat, certain.
The car took a sudden turn, tires humming against the asphalt. Luna clutched her seatbelt, pulse racing.
The other vehicle turned too.
Her breath caught.
Within seconds, the driver pressed a button on the dash. “Sir, we have a tail,” he said calmly into the mic. “Switching to protocol three.”
A low, familiar voice crackled through — Liam’s.
“Keep her safe. I’m on my way.”
Luna’s chest tightened. The fear in his voice wasn’t something she’d expected from him — it was cold, focused, and deadly.
The driver took another sharp turn, speeding down a narrow street before stopping abruptly in a quiet alley. “Stay here.”
“Wait— what are you—”
He was already out of the car, his hand resting on the weapon tucked under his jacket.
Luna’s heart pounded so hard she thought it might break. The seconds dragged, filled only with the sound of her shallow breathing. Then, footsteps.
The driver reappeared, his expression grim. “They’re gone. For now.”
He got back in and started the engine again. “Mr. Moretti’s men will secure your building.”
When they arrived at her apartment, two men in black were already stationed outside. It felt surreal — like she’d stepped into a movie she hadn’t auditioned for.
As she walked toward her door, her phone buzzed. A message.
> Liam: Are you inside?
> Luna: Yes. What’s happening, Liam?
There was a pause, then another message came through.
> Liam: You’re safe now. Don’t open the door for anyone. I’ll explain everything soon.
She stared at the screen, her fingers trembling slightly.
She wanted to believe she was safe. But when she looked out the window, she could’ve sworn she saw a shadow move across the street — slow, deliberate, watching.
And in that moment, she realized something terrifying.
Whoever was after Liam… was after her now, too.
- Writer
