Page 103 of No Mistakes

We hit the door to the side corridor at the same time, but it doesn’t budge. I put my shoulder to it, forcing my weight as I slam into it over and over.

“Move,” Carter groans, already aiming at the lock, pressing the trigger. Wood splits, and I throw myself at the door, forcing it open as it slams into the wall.

The noise of the auction dies behind us when we step through into the narrow hallway. The smell of fresh paint, bleach, and expensive cologne fills our senses before fading into something sour.

Scuff marks spread along the floor, dark streaks from a heel digging in.

We don’t waste any time as we run towards the screams. Two guards step into our path while they raise their guns, blocking us as we round a corner. Carter fires twice, each bullet connecting with their target with ease.

Screams erupt through the door at the end of the hallway, and I force my body forward, running full speed towards the door as I collide with it. The door breaks, splitting from the hinges.

Men turn, guns lifting, their sights aimed at our heads. Mandy’s in the corner, chest heaving, hair wild, fury bright as a blade. Three of them have her boxed in. One reaches for her wrist, and she snaps at him like a snake, catching his skin with her teeth.

Between us and her stands a figure with her back to me. She doesn’t flinch when we enter the room; she just tips her head slightly, like she heard me breathing.

My mask is hot on my face, and I rip it off, letting it fall to the ground.

“Mandy.” My words come out gentle as I stare at her.

Carter slides in at my shoulder, gun already sweeping the room, even though we’re easily outnumbered.

The woman in the coat turns, slowly. Like she’s been waiting years to make me watch her do it, and the moment I see her face, my breathing stops.

Rachel.

Except her hair is darker now, her face sharper, older, but those eyes… I know those eyes.

“Hello, Antonio. Carter.”

Carter stiffens beside me, “What the fuck…”

Her eyes flicker between us, delight sparking like she’s been waiting for this moment her entire life.

“Rachel,” Carter spits, like her name tastes foul.

Her smile stretches wider. “That’s what I let you call me.” She takes a step closer, unbothered by the guns around us, by the blood staining on the floor as it drips from our clothes. “That was the mask. The girl you thought you knew. The one you dismissed, pushed away, sent on a little holiday to get rid of.”

The air thickens, pressing heavy against my chest. My grip on the knife tightens until the leather of the handle bites my palm.

“I studied you,” she says, voice low, dangerous. “Every move, every habit. I learned your patterns, your weaknesses. How to slip through your security like it was nothing. You thought you could get rid of me. But I’ve been inside your world from the start.”

Her gaze cuts to me, sharp as a blade. “Especially you, Antonio.”

She tilts her head, looking between me and Carter, “Did the others not want to join us? I’m sure they wouldloveto hear what I have to say.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Carter snaps, making sure to keep the gun aimed at her.

Her lips curve, a cruel look on her face. “The night Antonio earned his place. The night you stood as his witness. You thought no one saw. ButIdid.”

Blood roars in my ears, my throat closing as panic fills me. My hands clam up, as my breath quickens. No…no, it can’t be.

“Oh, sweet Antonio. You didn’t know I was there,” she purrs. “Hiding. Watching. I saw everything.”

The air leaves my lungs, my vision blurring together as the memory drags me under before I have the chance to stop it.

“Remember, stay calm. We get in, do the task at hand, and leave.” Carter says, slipping me a mask that covers half my face.

I take a deep breath, nodding along with his words. “In. Out. Got it.”