1

Azalea

“Azalea,” someone called.

I froze. My heart raced. I was late, and being late was not an option. Not tonight. Not with Amira’s life hanging by a thread.

“Wait up.”

I stopped and turned around. It was Josh, a coworker from the mall. His eyes softened when they landed on me.

“What is it, Josh?” I bit out, irritation creeping into my voice. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” he whispered, blushing.

I sighed inwardly. Josh had feelings for me. It was obvious from the way he looked at me, how his voice softened when he spoke. But I couldn’t entertain the idea of love. Love was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

“Are you going home?” he asked.

I stared at him, exhaustion and irritation flaring. “What does that even mean?”

“I... I was thinking of walking you home.”

“Thanks, but no. I can handle it,” I said, already turning away.

I could feel his gaze linger on me as I walked off, but I didn’t care. No one could know I worked at the bar. No one could find out the lengths I was willing to go to save my sister.

I was juggling two jobs, barely holding on. It didn’t matter that my dignity had long since been sacrificed. Every dollar went to Amira’s treatments—her cancer treatments. And that wasn’t cheap.

I wiped the image of Josh from my mind and pushed through the crowd, desperate to get to my second job. The bar was no place for someone like me, but I had no choice. Amira’s life was on the line.

The air in the bar was thick, damp with sweat and the stench of regret. The kind of place people came to forget, and I was no exception. My shift was almost over when I overheard them.

Two men sat at the end of the bar, huddled together like they were sharing secrets. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but in this business, you couldn’t help but hear things. Desperation had a way of making you listen.

“The girl bailed,” one man muttered, frustration lacing his words.

“What the fuck do you mean ‘bailed’?” the other hissed. “We need someone now.”

“She disappeared. Can’t reach her. Nothing.”

My ears perked.

“She was supposed to be perfect. Quiet. Quick. It was all lined up.”

“How much was she getting again?” the other asked.

“Five grand upfront. Five after delivery.”

Five thousand.

My heart slammed against my ribcage. Five thousand dollars. More than enough to cover Amira’s treatments. I didn’t care what the job was. I needed that money.

I wiped my hands on my apron and tried to steady my nerves. This could be it. The lifeline I was waiting for.

The man stood, heading toward the back exit. I followed, my pulse pounding in my ears. Sweat beaded on my palms.

“I can do it,” I whispered to myself. “Amira needs this.”

He turned around slowly, like he hadn’t expected anyone behind him. His eyes—sharp and narrowed—scanned me from head to toe. I didn’t flinch. I had nothing left to lose.

“I heard you talking,” I said quickly. “I can do it. Whatever it is. But I need the money upfront.”

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “That’s a bold ask, darling.”

I stood tall, crossing my arms. “You need someone. I’m right here.”

He studied me a moment longer, then smirked. “You’re perfect.”

“The money.”

“Of course, I’ll pay you first,” he said smoothly, pulling out his phone. “Tell me, sweetheart… what’s your price?”

Was he joking with me right now? I heard the price, and I wasn’t going below that.

I gave him the number, and he didn’t blink. He quickly typed on his phone, and a moment later, I got the alert.

Deposit received.

It should’ve felt like relief. Instead, it felt like I was stepping off a ledge. But I couldn’t stop. Not now. Not with Amira’s life in my hands.

“What do I need to do?” I asked, my voice steady.

He grinned, all teeth and no warmth. “Follow me.”

I quickly followed him, matching his steps through the winding pathway. He finally stopped when we reached a dark corner.

“The job?” I asked.

“Your job is simple. Rion Enterprises,” he muttered. “Break in, steal the files, and leave. Simple enough.”

He pulled out a device that looked like a high-tech hacking tool and handed it to me.

“How will I break in?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. “Without getting caught?”

“You don’t have to worry about that, beauty. I’ve got a spy inside.”

The words didn’t sit right with me, but I didn’t ask questions. I just needed to do the job.

“Okay,” I said.

“Let’s meet here after you bring the files,” he announced before turning around, dismissing me.

I called after him. “Your name?”

He glanced back, his eyes cold. “You don’t need to know, darling. Just do your job.”

“Then... how will I find you?” I asked, though I didn’t really want to know.

He sneered. “I’ll find you. Don’t screw this up, or I’ll find you. And when I do, you’ll wish I hadn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“And don’t think you can run away with my money without doing the job. I will find you, and by the time I do, I’ll fucking blow your head off.”

*

I stood in front of the building, my heart racing. The night was eerily silent, the only sound the hum of distant traffic. When the security guard at the entrance saw me, he raised an eyebrow.

“Azalea, right?” he asked.

I nodded, trying to hide my confusion. How did he know my name? The name I used at the bar was fake.

“Get in.”

It was an order, not a question.

“Won’t there be any problem?” I inquired.

“I’ve taken care of everything. The security system won’t be able to detect you,” he whispered lowly, but loud enough for me to hear. “You’ve got no problem. Just do your work.”

I walked inside, my nerves on edge. This wasn’t just a job anymore. It was my lifeline.

I reached the vault, bypassed the security system without a hitch. But when I opened the door, my stomach dropped.

The files were gone.

Empty space where they should’ve been.

Panic surged through me. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to get the remaining money. I was supposed to save Amira.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, heavy and loud, drawing closer.

I slammed the door shut, my heart in my throat. I had to get out. I had to leave before they figured out I was connected to this mess.

I turned, rushing toward the exit.

But there was no way out now.