The pounding of his boots against the pavement matched the rapid beat of his heart. The SUV skidded sideways, blocking off the alley's only exit. Headlights flooded the space with blinding white light.

Sienna yanked him toward a fire escape. "Up!"

Ethan didn't hesitate. He grabbed the rusted metal ladder, hoisting himself up. Sienna was right behind him, moving fast despite the clear exhaustion in her frame.

Below, car doors slammed. Heavy footsteps. Voices barking orders.

They reached the rooftop, breathing hard. Ethan turned in time to see Sienna pull a gun from beneath her jacket.

His eyes narrowed. "Since when do you carry?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she crouched near the ledge, peering over. Ethan followed her gaze. Three men in dark tactical gear swept through the alley, scanning every corner.

"Who the hell are they?" Ethan whispered.

Sienna swallowed. "They're the reason I called you."

The men spoke in hushed tones, their body language sharp, controlled. These weren't street thugs. They were professionals.

One of them turned to the others and said something that made Sienna stiffen.

"She was seen heading this way. If we don't find her, we take Carter instead."

Ethan's muscles tensed.

They knew his name.

Before he could process that, Sienna grabbed his wrist. "We need to go. Now."

Ethan exhaled sharply, staring at her. "You better start explaining real fast, because I'm not running blind for you."

Her grip tightened. "I promise I'll tell you everything. But if they catch us, we won't live long enough for you to hate me again."

Her words sent a chill down his spine.

Then she turned and sprinted. And despite everything-despite the past, the betrayal, the unanswered questions-Ethan followed.