~Viviana~ Instead of listening to the anxious pitter-patter of my heart, I focused on the slow hum of the ceiling fan and the humid air sweeping from the open window. I’ve run my fingers on the lily printed coverlet over and over as I waited for Roman. I could hear the hushed echo of his voice, but making out his words was impossible. His tone was commanding. I could only assume that he was giving Nico and Mateo instructions on how they’d save Maya. Silence followed the soft thud of the front door, and footsteps headed to my room. Roman wore a soft smile when he appeared at the open door. I remained seated on the bed while he crossed the short distance between us, sitting beside me. The tension in the room was so thick it made breathing hard. If my guess is correct,

~Roman~“My drones are in the air. Uno, Dos, move to the front of the building. There are trailer and thermal shows movements on the top trailers. That’s the farthest my drones can get, since I can’t let them stoop low.”Mateo and I were on the move as soon as we got the instructions from Nico. “Cage, your team will move from the south, Warden, cover the west….” Nico continued to give orders like a general commanding his men.We flanked towards the front of the building, eyes focused on the scope of my AK47 as we ducked. Mateo covered my back in the same position as we reached the large, rusty metal door. There was an opening big enough to fit one person. I motioned for Mateo to move out first, covering him until he reached the nearest trailer.

~Viviana~I thought of a way I could come out of this situation alive the entire day. I wanted to know who I was up against and why.Lena. I convinced myself that she had reasons to hate me, but is Roman choosing me over her enough to result in this mess? No matter how much thought I put into justifying her actions, hurting my friend is something I could never forgive.“Why?” I asked firmly, holding my ground, even if the odds are certainly not in my favor. Lena has the number in ammunition and people, and she has Maya on the short leash.“You think you have the right to ask questions?” she spat, lips pursing in disgust. “You sure know how to act like an entitled slut.”I met Maya’s e

~Roman~“The fuck were you thinking using fifty cal, Rio?” unphased, Rio’s eyes remained engrossed on the ceiling as the door on his quarters slammed on the wall. I left Mateo to watch over Viviana and Maya while I dealt with the mess this moron created. We turned El Sótano’s third underground level as a hideout and infirmary to tend to the wounded Outlaws.I let Warden and Cage take charge of cleaning the mess at the shipyard before coming to the hospital, but Nico can’t create any remedy for Rio’s mess.The authorities beat us in cleaning the warehouse and Nico is doing his best to wipe out every building and camera recording on the street in line with Rio’s escape.He was unharmed, but I ordered him to stay put at El S&

~Viviana~While I was recovering, Roman made sure we’d spend more time together. He stayed with mom and me and moved his things to my room. We shared my closet, my bed - of course - and everywhere I glanced, he had his stuff here and there. My room began to look crowded, but I’m not complaining. I enjoy having him around. Mom doesn’t seem to mind either. In fact, they’re getting along more than fine. There are days I find it hard not to paint a future with Roman.I mean, he comes home to me every night after work with flowers, chocolates, and small gifts. He cooks dinner and sleeps beside me. The best part of my day was waking up to his embrace, and I couldn’t ask for more. As silly as it is, I think there’s something good that came out of all the chaos after all.On the third wee