Chapter 19 Caught In The Crossfire

• Adrian stepped out of the car, calm and unbothered, as though the armed men were no more alarming than a doorman. Of course, this was his world, where violence was normal.
• The driver opened my door, jolting me back to reality. "Ma'am?" he prompted. My legs felt heavy and reluctant to move, but I forced myself to step out. The air felt thicker here, the tension palpable.
• The men didn't say a word, but I felt their eyes on me, assessing, judging. I wrapped my arms around myself instinctively, trying to shield against their scrutiny. My heart was racing, but I kept my face neutral, my head held high.