Chapter 5 A Bullet Between Us

Bullets flew into the atmosphere, their loud booms reverberating off the marble walls, sending a loud and scary signal of danger.

Maya's heart hammered in her ears as Alexander intensified his hold on her hand, his body appearing as a stronghold to protect her from the impending danger. The sudden upheaval felt surreal, as if she had stumbled into a dream rather than her daily reality.

Liam had already moved, his gun drawn, his body bent and positioned as a predator. His manner was enigmatic as he examined the corridor, contemplating their next move.

"Stay close," Alexander urged to Maya, his voice low and forceful. The words were strong, yet his grip was tender as he pulled her behind him. She could feel his hardness, the simmering wrath beneath the surface.

He scowled as he glanced at the security.

He scowled as he looked at the security. "How many?"

"Four. Armed," the guard responded, his voice clipped. "They walked in through the back."

Maya gulped, fright crawling into her chest. "We need to leave."

Liam's gaze remained fixed on the entrance. "No joking," he said, his voice stiff and focused. His finger curled on the trigger, ready for whatever came next.

Alexander's gaze went to Maya, his look enraged, as if the gravity of the situation had become unbearable for him. "Stay close to me."

Maya's chest clenched as her palms shivered. She grabbed her fists. "Where precisely are we heading?"

"The safe house," Alexander replied quickly, his jaw set.

Liam sneered from behind, not staring at Alexander "You think we'll leave here alive?"

Alexander's expression remained constant. "We are without an alternative."

Another series of gunfire hit a vase close the stairway. Maya was shaking as she heard the creak of breaking glass.

Maya's heart was thumping against her chest as she tried to relax. Everything seemed to happen so rapidly, noisily, and terrifyingly.

Liam cursed beneath his breath. "They're moving closer."

Alexander tightened his hand on Maya's forearm. "Move."

Maya had limited time to reflect as she was pulled down the hall, her heart thundering in her ears. The estate was enormous, yet no structure, no fortress, would keep them hidden indefinitely. Despite her wish to go, she had no option but believe Alexander as a means of being alone.

"Who ordered them?" she asked gently, her chest tightening as they reached another bend.

Liam spoke in a low sneer. "Who do you suggest?"

"Victoria," Maya said softly, her voice chilly with knowledge.

Alexander did not answer, but the way his jaw clinched said everything she wanted to know.

When they arrived at a sudden stop, Alexander threw her against the wall, blocking her movement. The clank of a bullet passing through the air drew her attention, and she screamed as it struck the pillar next to her, fracturing the stone with a loud boom.

Her throat clenched, restricting her ability to breath.

Liam started fire, his shots accurate and devastating. Maya's pulse skidded. "I can't-"

Alexandra's hands seized her cheeks, causing her to glance up at him. "Focus, Maya."

Her gaze fixed on his-gray, intense, persistent.

Everything appeared to fade around her. The commotion, the gunfire, and the panic disappeared as his calm gaze held her in place.

He rubbed his thumb across her face, his voice faint, but the weight was evident. "I won't allow any harm get to you."

Maya gulped and nodded quickly, doubting her capability to speak.

"Move now," Liam commanded, his tone sharply cutting across the tension.

They started running again, dashing down the corridors, their footsteps booming over the huge, empty area.

Another bullet pierced Maya's sleeve, tearing the material of her clothes. She swallowed an intense breath, causing a sting on her arm.

"Move!" Alexander encouraged, his hold on her waist strong and firm, forcing her forward.

Maya's legs tumbled below her, yet she didn't stop. She couldn't. Not now. Her entire body shivered from the idea that they were fleeing for their life.

They reached the back of the estate. The exit was within sight. She noticed the black SUV standing by them, offering a brief respite from the chaos.

Alexander motioned to Liam. "Get her to the car."

Liam nodded, tightly holding Maya's wrist and pulling her towards the door. But before they could take another step-

A gunshot blasted out.

Maya's blood became chilly.

She spun just in time to see Alexander lurch backward, his hand pressing against his side.

"Alexander!" she yelled, racing toward him.

His face twisted in anguish as he wavered, and the white fabrics of his clothes became reddish beneath his touch. Everything appeared to slow down around her, and all she could imagine was him, her pulse racing madly in her chest.

"I'm fine," he yelled through clinched teeth, but the ruse was thin.

Her hands quivered as she approached him, but he rose up straight and held her arm strong.

Liam unleashed another shot, eliminating the final intruder, and everything became silent.

The air was thick with fear, worry, and something else, a real weight that pressed down on them all.

Alexander breathed in laborious gasps. Maya's hands shook as she attempted to put pressure on his wound.

"Maya," he whispered quietly, strengthening his grip on her wrist as his eyes relaxed. "We must leave."

Her eyes were fixed on him, tears distorting her vision. "You're bleeding, Alexander."

A tiny smile pulled at the outer edges of his mouth. "I've had worse."

Liam twisted his eyes with anger. "Unbelievable."

Maya shrugged her head as her heart broke. "You're not untouchable."

Alexander's expression softened. "But I need to be convinced absolutely that you are."

Maya's tummy swirled with conflicting emotions. She did not trust him and was still not acquainted with him, but she could not dismiss the connection they had developed.

Liam motioned toward the exit. "Let's move before backup arrives."

Maya assisted Alexander to walk by placing her hand around his waist His body was as muscular and warm with hers, but the blood on his clothing sent goosebumps down her spine. They stepped outside, and the chilly night air hit them like a blow in the face. The SUV waited with its engine running. Liam opened the door and invited them in.

Maya helped Alexander into the rear seat, his expression lifeless and his mouth clinched in misery. She sat beside him, arms twitching as she rubbed against his wound, seeking to stop the blood.

Liam shut the door and grasped the wheel, rushing across the driveway away from the estate's chaos.

As the automobile accelerated, Maya's voice hardly rose above murmur. "You scared me."

Alexander's eyes broadened, and a little, hardly noticeable smile appeared on his lips. "That's new." "That's new."

Maya gave a nervous laugh that sounded much like a sob. "Keep quiet."

His fingers brushed over hers, the touch calming despite the pandemonium. "I'm alright, Maya."

She wasn't too certain. Her heart raced rapidly in her chest, and the thought of losing him was awful.

Liam glanced at them in the rearview glass. "We need to have him patched. There's a clinic I trust not far from here."

Maya nodded. "Go. Fast."

Alexander grunted in agreement, his body going slack against the seat.

Maya panicked, her voice rising. "Alexander?"

His lips twitched. "Still here."

Maya let out a shaky breath. "Remain that way."

The silence in the car was thick. But this was not the silence she craved.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking the moment.

She got it out, her fingers yet quivering, and saw an unknown number on the screen. Her stomach dropped.

With trembling hands, she answered. "Hello?"

A voice, familiar and impossible, echoed through the phone.

"Hello, Maya."

Her blood ran cold.

Her heart stopped.

And the voice on the other end?

It was her mother's.

And she was very much alive.