Chapter 5 WHERE MONSTERS DON'T KNOCK

He smiled like he had every right to be there.

Like he hadn't just broken through a locked door.

Like I wasn't supposed to scream.

But I didn't scream.

I froze.

The kind of freeze that starts in the bones and crawls up your spine. I couldn't even move my mouth. My breath came in sharp, broken stabs.

"Still as quiet as ever," Ethan said, stepping closer. "I missed that."

He looked the same. Too clean. Too careful. That same smooth voice that had once whispered promises now wrapped around the threat like a bow.

"How did you-" My voice cracked. I didn't finish.

"I never stopped watching." His smile dropped. "Did you think you'd disappear into some billionaire's bed and I wouldn't notice?"

My stomach turned.

"You shouldn't be here," I managed.

"But I am."

He walked toward the kitchen counter, casually running a hand across it like he was inspecting his home.

"You thought you could hide behind Kingsley? That's just because he has money, he makes you untouchable?" He leaned in. "He's not your shield, Ava. He's your leash."

I flinched.

And that must've satisfied something in him because he laughed, quiet and cruel.

I took a step back, toward the hallway, toward the bedroom. My phone was there. Maybe.

He saw the movement.

"Don't," he warned, low and sharp. "Don't make this ugly."

"It already is."

He tilted his head. "Brave girl. Still full of fire. You used to burn for me, remember?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't afford to feed the fire.

He moved faster than I thought he could, reached into his coat and dropped something on the table.

A photo.

Lily.

In her hospital bed. Eyes closed. Tubes everywhere.

"She's so fragile," Ethan whispered. "All that poison they pump into her. Shame if it got interrupted."

I lunged.

Not for him. For the photo.

He let me have it.

"I won't let you near her," I hissed, shaking.

"You don't get a say anymore." He stepped back like he'd delivered what he came to deliver. "He thinks he can save you. But the problem with white knights? They bleed just like anyone else."

He walked toward the door.

And stopped.

"Tell Damian I said hello," he added. "Tell him I'm ready to collect."

Then he was gone.

Just like that.

Like a nightmare that hadn't quite ended.

I didn't know how long I sat there, clutching that photo like it could breathe. At some point, I crawled to the door and locked it twice. Not that it mattered. He'd gotten in once.

He could do it again.

I tried calling Damian. No answer.

Tried Naomi. Straight to voicemail.

I texted.

He was here. In the apartment. He threatened Lily. Call me. Please.

No reply.

Panic pressed in. Every creak in the walls was a footstep. Every shadow outside the window looked like him.

And then...

A buzz.

The security intercom.

My blood turned cold.

I stood, slowly. Walked to it on legs that didn't feel like mine.

A man's voice crackled through.

"Miss Reynolds. It's Mark. Open up. Now."

I opened the door before logic could catch up.

Mark burst in, followed by two other men in black. Not suited, tactical. One was already checking the windows. Another was sweeping the hallway.

"What, how did you"

"Silent alert," Mark said, eyes scanning everything. "Damian installed it. Motion triggers if someone enters unregistered. Why the hell didn't you call?"

"I-I did," I stammered. "No one answered."

He pulled out his phone. "Because he's not taking calls tonight. Jesus."

My chest caved in. "Lily. He knows where she is. He showed me a photo.

"She's fine," Mark cut in. "Naomi already has two men watching her floor. No one's getting near her."

I sank to the couch.

Mark crouched in front of me. For the first time, his voice was almost gentle.

"You should've told us sooner."

"I didn't know he'd find me." My voice cracked. "I didn't think he'd come here."

Mark's jaw worked for a moment. Then he stood and turned to the others. "Sweep the building. Check every exit. He's not getting a second chance."

One of them nodded and left. The other stayed by the door, watching like a hawk.

I was still shaking when Mark spoke again. "Pack a bag. You're not staying here."

"Where am I going?"

"To Damian."

"But he's not even..."

Mark looked at me. Hard. "You'll be safe with him. Whether you want to be or not."