Assassin Attempt

Marina’s POV

The sudden explosion shook the high-rise like a fist against glass. Plates shattered, crystal tumbled, and screams tore through the whole place. Heat stung my skin, and smoke curled in dark ribbons around the chandeliers. My pulse spiked, and every instinct screamed to move.

Talia Quinn, head of security, appeared beside me, her eyes scanning every corner. “This isn’t a robbery,” she said, her voice cutting through the noise. “I think someone’s trying to kill Vale.”

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay steady. “Get everyone out of here,” I said. “I’ll find him.”

Talia gave a sharp nod and sprinted toward the staff bay. I turned toward the staircase when two massive silhouettes blocked my path.

“Going somewhere?” one of them growled.

“Boss wants a word with Vale’s favorite girl,” the other added, eyes lingering on my wrist. “Judging by that tattoo, it’s you.”

I glanced down at the key inked into my skin and tightened my fist. “Move,” I said, striking the one closest to me across the face. Pain and surprise flashed over him, but the second man’s grin only widened.

“You’ve got spirit,” he said. “I like that.”

Before they could close in, a shadow fell across the floor. They both froze, color draining from their faces.

“I thought you were dead,” one whispered.

“I am not easy to kill,” a low, calm voice said.

I looked up and froze. It was Adrian, Vale’s personal bodyguard. His presence was like steel, a wall that had appeared just when I needed it. He stepped forward, placing himself squarely between me and the men.

“This is your only warning,” he said, eyes locked on theirs. “Walk away.”

“You don’t scare me,” one spat, but his courage faltered. Adrian moved like a striking panther. In a heartbeat, he grabbed the man by the neck. “I gave you a chance,” he said, and the man scrambled back, falling to the floor. The other bolted, vanishing into the smoke.

Adrian turned to me, gaze sharp. “Still standing there?”

“I… I was watching,” I stammered, heart hammering.

“Watching?” he said, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth. “It’s my pleasure to entertain you, princess. But right now, we need to get out of here.”

“Where’s Vale?” I asked, scanning the chaos.

“Safe for now. He ordered me to get you out,” Adrian said. He reached for the small bag I carried, pressing it gently but firmly.

“If he’s safe, my place is getting everyone else to safety,” I said, stubborn.

“I won’t repeat myself, princess,” he said, his tone sharp.

“Don’t call me princess,” I said, heat rising in my chest.

Suddenly, a scream shredded the smoke-filled air. A burning beam collapsed, sparks flying like fireflies.

“Help! I can’t get out!”

A performer trapped behind the fallen debris. That sounded like my best friend, Lena. My body moved before my mind caught up, but Adrian’s hand was already on my arm.

“Stay low! Out of the smoke!” he barked. “Here… cover your mouth.”

He pressed a silk handkerchief into my hands. The faint scent of cedar and wildflowers hit me, grounding me for a second as I crawled toward Lena but he got there before me, pulling her free with a strength I could never forget. So I waited behind and when he returned, his fist was bloody, but Lena was safe, eyes wide but alive.

“Are you both okay?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Yes, thanks to you,” Lena said, brushing off debris. Adrian’s eyes were on me, unwavering and watchful, every inch of him was full of control and authority.

I lifted Lena into my arms, feeling the heat of the fire around us, smoke curling in thick clouds. Adrian moved beside us, his hand firm on my shoulder, guiding us toward the bathroom.

“What’s the plan?” I asked once we were in the bathroom, dropping Lena.

“Marina,” he said, his tone clipped, “you go out the back through the right elevator. Lena and I will take another route. Draw their attention so you can escape.”

Lena’s eyes widened. “What about your tattoo? If they see that, they’ll know it’s you for sure.”

“They’re trying to use me to get to Vale,” I said, tightening my grip on Lena. “They know what I look like, what I’m wearing. That’s enough.”

Lena considered for a moment, looking at my black and gold lace up mini dress. “We can switch outfits. They’ll think I’m you long enough for you to get away. I have extra costumes in my bag.”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “Perfect. Change quickly. Someone will be waiting to get you out fast. And make sure the tattoo is covered.”

I rifled through her bag, fingers brushing against fabric until I found a masquerade costume that would cover my hands and conceal my identity. In minutes, I was changed, and I turned to check myself in the bathroom mirror.

Lena grinned. “You look even hotter in that.”

Adrian’s lips curved slightly. “It’s perfect, princess.” He drew his gun with practiced ease, eyes flicking over the doorway. “You two follow close behind me.”

We moved as one, Adrian bursting through the bathroom door first, laying down suppressive fire, his body shielding us. Smoke and fire swirled around him, and then, through the haze, a figure emerged. When I looked closely, it was Victor Lacroix.

“Adrian,” he called, voice smooth, venomous. “How could you go from working with me to being a lapdog for a man like Vale?”

My stomach clenched. Did Adrian ever work for Victor? How could Vale trust someone like him?

“This is between you and me,” Adrian said, his gun steady. “Victor, let these ladies go.”

“I’m not after Vale’s whores,” Victor said, eyes scanning us. “If you had Marina, that would be different. But I only see two silly waitresses. Kill them all.”

“Run!” Adrian shouted. “Run now, I’ll cover you.”

I didn’t hesitate. Ducking through smoke and gunfire, I ran toward the kitchen. Suddenly, a strong hand gripped mine. No other choice, I let the man pull me away from the firefight.