The moment the first bullet shattered the balcony glass, Emily’s body reacted before her mind could catch up.
James yanked her down, shielding her with his body as more gunshots tore through the night. The balcony railing exploded into splinters, and the sound of breaking glass rang through the air like an alarm.
A scream caught in Emily’s throat, but no sound escaped. Her pulse roared in her ears as she clutched James’s arm, the scent of gunpowder thick in the air. Her mind struggled to process what was happening, but there was no time.
"Move!" James ordered, his voice sharp and commanding.
Emily scrambled backward on all fours, her knees scraping against the rough tile as bullets continued to rip through the safe house. A sharp gust of wind blew through the open balcony, carrying the
