Ivy's spine tingled as Adrian muttered a warning. She looked toward the window, her breath catching at the dim shadow moving outside, and her heart accelerated.
Adrian spoke in a quiet but firm voice, "Stay behind me."
He took two quick steps across the room without waiting for her answer, his hand automatically going for the revolver hidden under his jacket. Torn between defiance and fear, Ivy remained fixed in place.
"Adrian," she said angrily in a tremulous murmur. "What's happening? Who is it?
He said, staring out the window, "I don't know." We're not taking any risks, however.
The silhouette of the man outside shifted against the little light coming in through the blinds as it approached. Adrian moved with calm and precision as he approached the door. In one smooth action, he unlocked the latch and threw the door open, aiming the revolver straight at the intruder, his grip tightening on the barrel.
When the man appeared with hands up in surrender, Ivy let out a gasp.
"Whoa, whoa! The guy murmured in a strained voice, "Easy there." His hood was drawn back to show a teenage face etched with anguish, and he was soaked from the rain outside.
Adrian's gaze became strained. "What are you doing here, and who are you?"
The guy paused, looking from Ivy to Adrian and back again. He jerked his head in Ivy's direction and added, "I need to talk to her." "It's crucial."
The gun was not lowered by Adrian. "You have no right to demand anything. Talk now, or you'll be taken away in handcuffs.
The guy swallowed forcefully, his hands shaking a little. "My name is David. Victor sent me.
Ivy's stomach dropped. "Winner?"
David gave a brief nod. I was instructed to convey a message by him. claimed to comprehend.
Adrian didn't drop the pistol, but his face clouded. "What's the message?"
David's eyes begged as they met Ivy's. "You're making a mistake," he remarked. that you will regret continuing to dig. He wants you to understand that Adrian is not who you believe him to be.
Ivy's throat constricted. Delivered by this frantic courier, Victor's comments seemed like yet another knife twist. Her voice trembled as she said, "And you just... agreed to come here and threaten me?"
David gave a firm shake of his head. "That isn't the case! Victor—he had something on me, even if I didn't want to. I had no other option.
Adrian's tone became cold. "You have options all the time. Tell Victor that I'll finish this if he approaches her once again. Indefinitely.
Despite his pallid visage, David nodded rapidly. "I will inform him. Just—please don't harm me.
Adrian took a step back, bringing the rifle down just enough to allow David to go. Without turning around, the young guy dashed into the night, his body swiftly engulfed by the darkness.
Adrian twisted the door sharply to lock it and slammed it shut.
Ivy's chest heaved as she gazed at him, trying to process what had just transpired. "What on earth was that?"
Adrian continued, "Victor tightening the noose," in a hurried voice. With an angry expression, he put the pistol on the counter and looked at her. He's attempting to intimidate and control you. He does it.
"Well, it's working," Ivy retorted, raising her voice. "When people are knocking on my door in the middle of the night, how am I supposed to feel safe?"
Adrian's shoulders were still tense, but his face relaxed a little. "I won't allow anything to happen to you."
Ivy gave a sour laugh. "Adrian, that's not exactly reassuring right now."
His black eyes searched hers as he took a step closer. "Ivy, I mean it. I will do everything it takes to keep you safe.
With everything bearing down on her, she shook her head. "It's no longer just about me. It's about you and Victor and the game you're playing together. I'm not sure who I can trust, and I'm not even sure whether my flat is secure.
Adrian's voice softened as he inhaled deeply. "You're correct. This place isn't safe for you. Bring a bag. You're accompanying me.
Ivy blinked. "What?"
Adrian firmly said, "I can't leave you here, not with Victor escalating like this." "You are a target if you remain. I can keep you close—and safe—if you accompany me.
Her first reaction was to say no. She didn't want to feel like she was being controlled, so she refrained from running. However, something in Adrian's gaze caught her off guard—a vulnerability she hadn't anticipated, a glimmer of dread he was frantically attempting to conceal.
At last, she answered in a defeated tone, "All right." "But that doesn't mean I fully trust you."
A little, sardonic smirk curled Adrian's lips. "All right."
---
After twenty minutes, Ivy had packed a tiny duffel bag and was back in Adrian's SUV, driving toward an unknown location as the city lights faded into the distance. Even though the rain had stopped, she was still experiencing uncertainty, dread, and irritation in her mind.
After a lengthy period of stillness, she inquired, "Where are we going?"
"A safe house," said Adrian. It's safe and off the grid. We won't be discovered there by Victor.
Ivy gazed out the window, taking in the blurry, dark landscape. "How long do you anticipate this to go on?"
Adrian paused, then responded. "For as long as necessary. Until we decide what to do next.
"What will we do next?" Ivy turned to him and repeated. "I'm not even sure whether I'm on your side yet, Adrian. Victor is allegedly influencing me, but what if you are the one engaging in this behavior? What happens if he is correct about you?
His jaw clenched as his hands gripped the steering wheel more tightly. "It's okay if you have doubts about me. I am aware of how this seems. But I've taken every action to safeguard the things I've created and the people I love.
Ivy laughed. "Are you worried? Do you call this that? pulling me into a conflict I didn't request to be involved in?
Adrian's tone softened as he let out a sharp breath. "I didn't anticipate this, Ivy. For you. But I can't ignore what's going on now that you're here. Victor will do everything it takes to ruin me. include you.
Her chest ached at the unvarnished honesty in his speech, but she forced the emotion away. Adrian, you still haven't given me the complete truth. I won't be able to trust you until you do. Not quite.
He looked at the road and nodded. "I'll tell you everything after that. Tomorrow.
"Why not right now?"
Adrian responded, "Because you need to rest tonight." "You will have to determine tomorrow if you are prepared to hear the truth."
His words, which were both a warning and a promise, hung thick in the air. With her mirror looking back at her, Ivy turned back to the window.
She wasn't sure whether the truth would make a difference at all or if she was prepared to hear it.
---