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The safe house looms before us, a nondescript brick-and-mortar building. It promises security but screams confinement. My skin crawls at the thought of being locked up again, even if it’s for my protection.
After beating my addiction to street drugs, freedom is now my drug of choice, and right now, I’m going through serious withdrawal.
“Your father will be here shortly, Miss Holbrook,” Jenny says to Aria.
Aria nods, a flicker of hope lighting her eyes. Her shoulders straighten, tension easing from her frame.
My chest tightens, a dull ache spreading beneath my ribs. The air suddenly feels too thick, too heavy. I curl my fingers into fists, nails biting into my palms.
A father. Someone who moves heaven and earth to find you. Someone who hires mercenaries, spends fortunes, and turns the world upside down when you’re in danger.
I’ve never known that kind of love—that fierce, unconditional devotion.
The gulf between Aria and myself yawns wider and deeper than mere wealth could ever carve. It’s not about designerclothes or trust funds. It’s about belonging. About mattering to someone so much they’d tear the world apart to keep you safe.
I tear my gaze away from Aria, focusing on a crack in the concrete. My throat burns. My eyes sting. I blink hard, willing away the hot press of tears.
I’m alone.
Always have been.
A girl made of shadows and forgotten promises, surviving on scraps of kindness from strangers.
And strangers are never kind.
The weight of it all—years of loneliness, of being discarded and forgotten—threatens to crush me. I take a shaky breath, forcing air into lungs that suddenly feel ten sizes too small.
Pull it together, Ember. Self-pity won’t change a damn thing.
I straighten my spine and lift my chin. I may not have a father charging to my rescue, but I’m still here.
That has to count for something.
As we approach the entrance, Blaze leans close. Even through the helmet, his voice sends a shiver down my spine.
“You’ll be safe here.”
Safe. The word tastes like ashes in my mouth. When has anywhere ever been truly safe?
I want to run, to disappear into the labyrinth of city streets I know so well, but exhaustion weighs heavy on my limbs.
The door opens with a soft hiss, revealing an interior that’s all sleek lines and modern furnishings. It’s a far cry from the dank warehouse, but somehow, it feels just as oppressive.
At least in the warehouse, I knew where I stood. Here, in this sterile environment, I’m adrift.
As we step inside, I can’t help but steal another glance at Blaze. What kind of man lies beneath that armor? I quickly avert my gaze, silently chastising myself.
Focus on surviving. That’s what you’re good at. Leave the fairy tales for someone else.
Aria stumbles behind me, her designer clothes rumpled and torn. Her chin is up, but I catch the tremor in her hands and the glassy look in her eyes. She’s putting on a brave face, but the cracks are showing. Shock does that to a person, even the entitled ones.
“This way,” Jenny says, leading us to a spacious living room. “We’ll need to ask you both some questions.”
My muscles tense, every nerve ending screaming at me to run. The exit is right there. I could be out and lost in the city before they even realize I’m gone. It’s what I’ve always done when things got too intense or too real.
But Blaze is here. Even with his face hidden, I sense the intensity in his gaze. Something about his steady focus makes me hesitate. Trust isn’t my strong suit, but it’s all I’ve got right now.
I take a deep breath, fighting against years of street-honed instincts.