The sound sliced through the night like a blade. Mara's breath hitched, her body locking in place. Her pulse roared in her ears, drowning out everything but the sudden, chilling realization.
Philip wasn't just framing her. Philip was hunting her.
Then, without warning, Rafael grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into the shadows as a group of armed men stormed into the courtyard below. They were searching for someone, her.
"We need to move. Now." Rafael's eyes darted toward the sound, then back to her. "You don't have to trust me," he said, voice low. "But right now, I'm the only one who can get you out of here thinks."
Another shot. Closer this time.
Mara bared her teeth in a humorless grin. "Fine. But if you double-cross me?"She didn't finish the threat. She didn't need to.
"We don't have time," Rafael whispered urgently. "He put a price on your head, Stefania. And they will kill anyone who stands in their way." A second shot rang out, followed by a scream. Vera.
