Heartbeats in the shadow

. Whispers of the rival gang grew louder, and every corner of the office felt charged with unease. Valerie worked late

rojections for the casino venture. The hum of the city faded, and the only sound was the soft pa

he said, closing the door behind him. The air felt charg

heart pounding. "Is i

dark hair, a rare sign of concern. "I need you to keep working on the projections, but also run

something heavier hanging between them.

n his features. "I know. But I'm not afraid

e pressed, curiosity b

t suits them. I trust you, but this is a dangerous game." His

e asserted, feeling the surge of

g without information. You know how

ture of fear and exhila

atch your back. And if you sense anyt

t, it felt as if the world outside had vanished. "

Eric's piercing gaze. If trust was the currency of their world, then she was investe

she walked toward her car, a chill crept down her spine. She noticed a figure lurking in the shadows,

rson? Was her life truly in danger? Unsettled, she force

e office. Marco burst in, his face pale. "We'

lerie asked, her

our operation. They might know about the casino deal,"

hardened. "How lon

o tighten security and fast," Marco

ntacts for this deal," Eric said, turning his inte

lied, resolve streng

d call logs. The shadows of suspicion lengthened, and the eerie feeling that someone w

eced together connections. When she discovered a name that matched a contact Eric had mentioned, a sense of dread

home, her mind racing with possibilities. She reached her

pecting anyone. Slowly, she edged toward the door and peered through the

gravity of the moment settl

re locking on her. "I need your help. We've got a

ank. "You mean...

epped closer, and she felt the heat radiatin

s voice was ba

suspect, but I'd rather have you involved from the start. You know the figur

between fear and adrenaline

know that I'll be ri

hat moment, Valerie unders