Chapter 3

THE SAFEHOUSE.

The safehouse wasn't what Teresa had expected.

It was a small, wooden cabin, tucked deep inside the Greyfall Forest. Humble and Quiet. Almost peaceful if not for the danger that lay in wait behind them, like a shadow.

Larris checked every window and door before allowing her inside.

Are we… alone here? she asked.

Completely, he said to reassure her. Only you and I know this place exists.

She swallowed nervously. So what happens next?

Larris hesitated.

You rest, he said finally. Then we talk.

Teresa nodded, although her chest ached from exhaustion and fear. Inside the cabin was warm, lit by a single lantern. Larris gave her a long hoodie to replace the soaked wedding dress.

She changed in the small bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror.

Mascara streaked her cheeks.

Her hair was tangled.

Her body shook.

This wasn’t the woman she thought she’d become.

But maybe that wasn't a bad thing.

When she came out, Larris had brewed tea for her.

She took a sip and whispered, Thanks.

He nodded once, leaning against the table.

Tell me everything, she said quietly.

And he did.

One by one, Larris exposed Jerry Desmond for his illegal businesses, secret partnerships, and even political bribery. He was no philanthropist.

He was a criminal.

A powerful one.

And marrying you, Larris finished, was his way to secure generational control. Your inheritance gives access to a company with land, oil rights, and international contracts.

Theresa stomach churned.

So what do I do? she whispered.

"You disappear, Larris said softly. At least for a while.

Disappear where?

That's what we figure out tomorrow.

But the next day brought up circumstances neither of them expected.

HUNTED

At dawn, the forest was quiet too quiet.

Theresa ole to the sound of Larris loading a pistol. Her blood froze.

What’s wrong? she whispered.

Larris pointed through the window to the woods. They found us.

Her heart sank.

How?

I don't know. His jaw tightened. But we have to move Now.

He grasped her hand and pulled her toward the back door.

A gunshot shattered the window.

Teresa creamed.

Larris shielded her, pulling her to the ground. Stay behind me!

As they fled out the rear exit into the forest, adrenaline surged through her veins.

Voices echoed behind them:

She’s close! Spread out!

The branches whipped at her skin. Her breaths came in sharp bursts. Larris kept her close, guiding her through the maze of trees.

A helicopter boomed overhead.

Desmond's voice boomed through a megaphone:

TERESA OLE STOP RUNNING! IT'S OVER!

Her knees buckled.

Larris grabbed her face gently. Don’t look back. Just run.

So she did.

They ran until the shouts faded, until their lungs burned, until the river came into sight.

Larris stopped suddenly. We cross here.

Teresa stared into the racing water. It’s too deep!

I’ll carry you.

Before she could protest, he lifted her in his arms and waded into the icy river.

Halfway across, bullets splashed around them.

Theresa cried out, clinging to him.

Hold on! shouted Larris

He made it to the other side just as the guards reached the edge of the river.

They couldn't fire anymore without risking one another.

Larris set her down, gasping. We keep moving.

Theresa looked at him, soaked wet, shivering, terrified and realized something.

This stranger was risking everything for her.

No one had ever risked anything for her.

She seized his hand. I’m not leaving you, she said. He stared at her, breathless. “Good,” he whispered. Because I’m not leaving you either.