The knock echoed through the small safe house.
Emily’s breath hitched.
James froze, every muscle in his body going rigid, his blue eyes flicking toward the door with a lethal sharpness that sent a chill down her spine. His hand moved instinctively to the gun at his side, his entire frame shifting into something dangerous—something predatory.
Olivia sat on the worn-out couch, her face pale with fear, her arms wrapped tightly around herself like she could disappear into the fabric.
Emily’s pulse thundered in her ears.
Whoever was outside…
Wasn’t a friend.
The air inside the safe house grew thick, pressing against her chest like a weight.
James was the first to move.
In one fluid motion, he stepped in front of her, his body forming a shield between her and whoever was on the other si
