The blade left my hand before I even processed the thought. It struck true, embedding itself in the man's forehead with a dull thud. He didn't even have time to blink. I tilted my head and offered a smile, cold as winter frost. Before his body crumpled, I turned to the second man. His wide eyes met mine, pure fear. He bolted for the stairs.
Wrong move.
I moved faster. My gun was in my hand like it had always been there. A single shot. The man dropped, his blood painting the concrete floor.
"Lina, can you not try to scare me? I'm getting goosebumps here. You look like some female Asura crawling out of hell."
I ignored Miles' crackling voice in my earpiece and bolted up the stairs. His humor was the kind that followed terror, like a shadow you couldn't shake.
"They're not in this building," Miles said, his voice tense. Less security, fewer cameras that's why he took the other side. If they weren't there, they had to be here.
I pushed through doors, searched shadowed rooms. Nothing. Then, a voice sliced the silence. "What are you doing? you. SL---?"
I turned slowly, gun steady. The man's eyes traveled from my face to the weapon in my hand. His mouth opened, but the words never came.
Phu!
A sniper's bullet found his brain. He dropped instantly. From the shadows above, Sarah chuckled through comms. "Ha. Thought you forgot I existed. Didn't want to leave with zero kills."
"Bullshit," Addison barked. "Last time someone insulted Lina online, you hacked their account and wiped their existence."
Sarah's dry laugh echoed. "And I'd do it again."
I reached the heavy metal gate on the upper floor. My hand hovered over the latch. I steeled myself. The moment the door swung open, my heart froze.
Ten girls. Bruised. Drugged. Dumped like trash. One lay half-naked, shivering. I tore off my jacket and draped it over her fragile form. Fury burned through me like wildfire.
"Addison," I whispered, my voice sharp. "Upper floor. Metal room. Ten minors. Get them out. Call the police."
He answered immediately, "On it."
I stepped back into the hall. Another man stood there, surprise and fear at war in his eyes. I didn't hesitate. My fist met his face, smashing him into the wall. My hand gripped his chin.
"Where are they? Speak before I lose patience."
He trembled. "C-Corner room."
I didn't thank him. I kicked open the door. Inside, Ruan and Louis, tied and bloodied, their faces hollow with exhaustion. Five men surrounded them. My bullets found every target. When the dust settled, they lay still.
I faced Ruan. "Who is the leader?"
He nodded weakly. "Two o'clock."
I turned. A man pressed against the wall, sweat pouring down his face. "Who... who are you?"
"Who are those girls? Where did you take them from?"
His voice trembled. "Kidnapped. Shipped overseas."
My knife was in my hand before he could breathe again. I stabbed his chest, kicked his body down. Blood pooled beneath him. I grabbed his collar and punched again, again. His gasps turned to gurgles.
Ruan's hand caught my wrist. "Lina, it's over. They're safe. Calm down."
I froze. Breathed. Slowly.
Miles was already untying them. The nightmare was ending, but my rage wasn't.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
Ruan nodded. "We're fine. Drugged, but fine."
Their injuries told another story. My jaw clenched. Addison's voice buzzed in. "We've got company. Leave now."
We ran. Out the window, hitting the ground hard. Sarah's car skidded to a halt. We threw ourselves inside. I floored it, tires screeching. The mountain road stretched out, dark and winding.
When we reached the summit, Addison was waiting. His relief turned to irritation as he hugged Ruan. "I leave for one month and look what happens."
Louis winced, his leg stiff. "I'm fine."
"Fine, huh?" I twisted his arm gently, drawing a yelp. "Sure. Looks 'fine' to me."
Sarah snorted, "Louis, stop pretending you're Iron Man."
We loaded them into separate cars. Destination: the nearest private hospital. It wasn't over. Not yet.
Ruan took the passenger seat in my car and Louis chose to go with Addison. Sarah and Miles followed each other. We all head to the private hospital nearer to our current location. after thirty minutes, my car stopped at a traffic signal, I turned my head and looked at him. His tall body leaned on the passenger seat, clean and sharp jaw, even though he was injured, but his midnight blue hair looked seductive on his face. those cold brown eyes are dangerous enough to kill silently.
He looked at me and asked directly "What are you thinking?"
I replied directly "Last time you said that you will take good care of yourself then what is this?" I paused "And who are those people?"
He smiled at me "Lina, this time it's not my fault. I was staying at the hotel for two days, but yesterday I met Louis at the restaurant. He was there for a meeting and I got to know that we all are in the same city so I decided to meet in my hotel room." With my questioning gaze, "So you are telling me someone tried to kidnap Louis but ended up messing up their plan."
The traffic light signal turned green and drove my car to the hospital without uttering a word. We reach the hospital after one hour. I put on my mask and opened the door and walked to the opposite side. Ruan was already standing outside with Louis and others.
The hospital was sterile, cold. Louis lay on a bed, his leg swathed in white. Scratches lined his face like angry brushstrokes. Louis's leg will recover within two weeks in proper care. Because of the five stitches in Ruan's shoulder, he needs to take proper medication and care. after discussion, we four concluded that they need to shift to other hospitals that are near our location. It's been 3 years Louis was working with us but we never tried to know about his family. Only Ruan knows about him.
"How are you feeling?" I asked softly.
"Fine, Sister." His smile was weak but sincere. " Brother Ruan and I will transfer to my family's hospital. It's safer."
I nodded. Then his eyes darkened. "Sister, I think I lost my bracelet."
I held up the thin silver band and slipped it onto his wrist. His eyes widened. "You found it? I thought I'd lost it forever."
"I found it in your room," I said lightly, ruffling his hair. "Be more careful."
The smile returned. "Thanks."
I didn't let it linger.
"Louis, I don't want to meddle in your private problem but who kidnapped you?" I continued
"Sarah tried to dig for some information, it turned out they are some unknown local gangs working under a Russian businessman"
After quick hesitation he continued "They were sent by Davis. I fought with him and he threatened me. I didn't know that this little mouse was capable of kidnapping me." Out of concern I asked, "Do you need our help?"
"No," he said quietly. "But I hope my brother doesn't go too far with them."
I nodded and left. Ruan's room was next. Addison sat with him, their conversation sharp and low. Business talk. Deals and dangers. I check the time it is half past nine and I still have 3 hours for Jennie's shoot. after fifteen minutes when they finally stop talking about a deal.
"Stay at Louis' hospital," I said after a moment. "For two weeks. Then do whatever you want."
He didn't argue. Just nodded.
I left without looking back. "I have a schedule. Miles and Sarah will stay with you."
The parking lot was cold, the air biting. My phone buzzed. Luca.
"Lina. Where are you?"
"Alive," I replied. "Why?"
"Lunch. My place. Ashley and Ray miss you. You have two free days, right?"
It felt like more than lunch. My gut twisted. But I agreed. "Okay."
I drove home. The scent of blood clung to me. The hotel room greeted me with silence. I stripped, stepping into the hot bath, letting lavender oil soak away the cold. But some stains weren't skin-deep.
Later, dressed in black, I slipped on my boots. Midnight approached. I left without a word, keys in hand, the weight of the night settling around me.
The road stretched out, empty and dark. And I drove, the engine a low growl, the city lights fading in my rearview mirror...