Alexander's POV
The digital clock on the wall seemed to mock me with its relentless ticking. Forty-eight hours left. Each second that passed felt like a hammer to my chest, pounding away at my hope. Marcus entered the room, his expression was as grim as my thoughts.
"We've narrowed it down to a few locations," he said, laying a map on the table. "But there's one that stands out. A warehouse on the outskirts of the city. It's heavily guarded, fits the profile."
I stared at the map, my mind racing. "How soon can we move?"
"We're assembling the team now," Marcus replied. "But we need to be careful. If Wales gets wind of our plans, he might move Eleanor or worse."
A surge of anger and fear coursed through me. "We can't afford to wait any longer. Every minute counts. Get everything ready. We move as soon as possible."
Marcus nodded and left to make the necessary arrangements. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The thought of Eleanor in danger was almost too much to bear. I had to find her. I had to bring her back safely.
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Eleanor's POV
The hours dragged on in the dimly lit room. My body ached from the uncomfortable position, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the fear gnawing at my insides. I thought of Alexander, of what he must be going through. The door creaked open, and my heart leapt with a mix of hope and dread.
David entered, carrying a tray of food. His expression was troubled as if he was battling his demons. "You need to eat," he said softly, setting the tray down.
I looked at him, trying to gauge his intentions. "David, please. You have to help me. My husband will find me, but I need to be strong. Please."
He sighed, his eyes filled with conflict. "I don't have a choice, Eleanor. It's not as simple as you think. But I'll try to help you. Just...stay strong."
Before I could ask more, he left the room. I looked at the food, my stomach growling despite the fear. I forced myself to eat, knowing I needed my strength. I had to be ready for whatever came next.
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Alexander's POV
The team assembled in the main hall, their faces grim and determined. Marcus briefed them on the plan, his voice steady and authoritative. "We'll split into two teams. One will create a diversion at the front, while the other enters through the back. We need to move quickly and efficiently. No mistakes."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. "Let's go."
The drive to the warehouse was tense, the silence only broken by the occasional updates from our scouts. As we approached the location, my heart pounded in my chest. This was it. We had to succeed.
The teams moved into position, and Marcus signalled the start of the operation. A loud explosion rocked the front of the warehouse, and gunfire erupted as our men engaged Wales's guards. I led the second team around the back, my senses heightened by adrenaline.
We breached the back entrance, moving swiftly through the dimly lit corridors. The sound of gunfire echoed through the building, but I focused on one thing: finding Eleanor. We encountered resistance, but our training and determination saw us through.
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Eleanor's POV
The sounds of explosions and gunfire jolted me awake. My heart raced with a mix of fear and hope. Was Alexander here? Was he finally here to rescue me? The door to my room burst open, and I saw a group of armed men. My heart leapt as I recognized one of them.
"Alexander!" I cried, relief flooding through me.
He rushed to my side, cutting through my bindings with swift precision. "Eleanor, are you alright?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.
"I'm fine," I said, even though I felt anything but fine. "Let's get out of here."
We moved quickly through the building, but our path was blocked by Wales and his men. A tense standoff ensued, the air thick with danger.
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Alexander's POV
Wales stood before us, a smug smile on his face. "Sterling, I should have known you'd come. But you're too late."
I levelled my gun at him, my anger barely contained. "Let her go, Wales. This ends now."
He laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "You're in no position to make demands. Drop your weapons, or she dies."
Time seemed to stand still as we faced off. I glanced at Eleanor, her eyes filled with determination despite her fear. We couldn't afford to lose. Not now. I tightened my grip on my gun, ready to make my move.
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Eleanor's POV
At that moment, everything seemed to blur. The fear, the anger, the desperation. But one thing was clear: I wouldn't let Wales win. With a surge of strength, I grabbed a nearby piece of debris and swung it at Wales, catching him off guard.
Alexander seized the opportunity, and chaos erupted. The next few moments were a blur of gunfire and shouts. When the dust settled, Wales was subdued.
"Pick him up " I signalled to Marcus and his guys I have a lot of information intend to get from him.
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Alexander's POV
I pulled Eleanor into my arms, relief washing over me. "It's over," I whispered, holding her tight. "You're safe now."
She clung to me, her body trembling. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for coming for me."
I kissed her forehead, my heart filled with gratitude. "I'll always come for you, Eleanor. Always."
We made our way out of the warehouse, the night air a welcome relief.