The Competition

Chapter 11: Bedroom

After dealing with the last of the troublemakers, I quickly dialed Lucas, keeping my voice low but urgent. “I need you to bring a car—something discreet—and take my bike back to the cabin,” I told him, my gaze flicking back to where Alynna lay, unconscious but unharmed. “And hurry.”

Within minutes, Lucas arrived with an unmarked sedan, blending perfectly into the night. He gave me a questioning look as he took the bike, but he knew better than to ask questions now. With Alynna safely bundled in the back seat, I settled behind the wheel, checking the rearview mirror for any signs of pursuit. It was imperative that I get her back to her apartment without anyone noticing—especially her butler, Sean. The last thing I needed was for anyone to start asking questions, even if they were on her side.

Driving through side streets and taking less-traveled routes, I navigated the city with precision, evading cameras and keeping to the shadows. The weight of secrecy was heavy, and every stoplight felt like an eternity, but finally, we arrived. I parked a short distance from her apartment complex, ensuring the car was out of view. Carefully, I carried her through the quiet building, making sure not to draw attention from any late-night residents or staff.

As I approached Alynna's apartment, I immediately paused as I notice a figure just ahead, stepping out in a hurry. Sean. He was closing the door behind him, his expression tense as he pocketed his phone and strode down the hallway. He's probably out looking for Alynna.

I waited until he disappeared around the corner before continuing, careful not to make a sound. Lucky enough, I found a spare key inside her jacket pocket. I silently unlocked the door and slipped inside, closing it softly behind me. Navigating through the dimly lit space, I found her bedroom and gently laid her on the bed, adjusting the pillows to make her comfortable. The contrast between the fierce assassin she’d been earlier and her current vulnerable state struck me.

Just as I was about to slip out, I noticed Alynna beginning to stir, her body shifting as a faint groan escaped her lips. She was waking up, and I had only seconds to react. Without a second thought, I ducked into the nearest hiding spot I could find—the dresser. I held my breath, steadying myself as I crouched within the confined space, the faint scent of her perfume filling the air around me.

Alynna gasped, jolting fully awake just as footsteps sounded down the hall. The door opened, and Sean hurried in, his voice low with concern. “Alynna, are you alright? What happened?” he asked, moving to her side.

Still groggy, Alynna winced, clutching her side. “I… I don’t know. Everything’s just a blur,” she murmured, her tone edged with pain.

Sean’s brow furrowed. “You were gone for hours. I had a feeling something was wrong. I went out moments ago but I came back here when I noticed a strange car parked a few blocks down—a car I haven’t seen before. Thought it might be connected.”

Alynna sighed, struggling to sit up. “I’m fine, Sean, really. Just… needed to get away for a bit, and things got out of hand.”

I kept my breathing steady, listening closely as their conversation continued. Every movement, every word echoed around me in the confined space of the dresser.

Sean’s eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of blood staining Alynna's clothes and face. His expression darkened with concern. “But Alynna,” he said carefully, “you have blood all over you.”

Alynna shifted uncomfortably, brushing a hand over her clothes. “It’s not mine, Sean. I ran into one of Blackwood's alliances” she replied, her tone tense.

“What?” Sean exclaimed. “Why didn’t you call me?”

Alynna rose to her feet, and panic surged through me as she took a small step toward the dresser. My heart raced, and I tensed, barely daring to breathe, praying she wouldn’t decide to open the doors where I was hiding.

“Everything happened so quickly,” she replied. “I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”

“I hope you can. Your first day of school starts tomorrow,” Sean reminded her, and it struck me, too. I had an early class tomorrow. Damn it.

“I know, I know.” Alynna insisted, urging Sean to leave her room. After the sound of the door clicked, I heard a deep sigh escape her as she finally thought she was alone. She sank onto the edge of her bed. Though her eyes still held a fierce glint, I could tell she was exasperated.

From my hidden spot behind the dresser, I gazed from the edged tiny window as Alynna began to strip off her bloodstained clothes, leaving only her undergarments. Stains marred her skin, but even in this vulnerable state, she exuded an undeniable grace.

“What happened?” she murmured to herself, brows furrowing in confusion. “How did I get back here? That man... he just punched me and everything went dark.”

Her voice was laced with disbelief, and I could feel the weight of her confusion. Despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn’t help but admire her. She looked almost ethereal, her light skin softly glowing in the room’s light, highlighting the contours of her figure. Though not skinny, it was clear from her physique that she had undergone rigorous training. Her posture was impeccable, showcasing a toned neck, chiseled collarbone, and an attractive silhouette. From her modest cleavage and defined chest to her small waist, balanced hips, and toned legs, every aspect of her body spoke of strength and grace. She wasn’t too tall, nor was she particularly short, but I was reminded of how I used to tower over her. I shook my head, forcing myself to focus. I was here to keep her safe, not to indulge in the distraction of her beauty.

Just then, she approached the dresser, and my heart raced. I held my breath as she reached for the door, barely craking it open. I could see her hand brush against the clothes inside, her fngers grazing over fabric. My pulse quickened, but she only grabbed the first hoodie her hand touched, and relief washed over me as she closed the door again.

With her back now turned as she made her way to the bathroom, I seized my moment. I carefully emerged from my hiding spot, every step measured and silent. My heart raced, but I had to move quickly, ensuring that I wouldn’t be discovered. As I took the opportunity to sneak out of Alynna’s room while she was in the bathroom, I carefully turned the doorknob, trying not to make a sound. But as I opened the door, I nearly collided with Sean, who stood frozen in the hallway, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

“Blackwood,” he said, the word laced with recognition. In an instant, he shifted into a defensive stance, ready to attack.

I was equally stunned, unable to move as our eyes locked. It was clear he knew who I was and where I had come from. Tension crackled between us, and my instincts kicked in, preparing for a confrontation if he made a wrong move.