BETWEEN LOVE AND BETRAYAL

y when she witnessed a kidnapping. A group of men were dragging a young, handsome man into a van, heading t

ation hit her-it was a trap. The leader of the s

the business world. Years ago, while still serving in the military, he had gone on a mission to take down a syndicate group led by Michael's father. Kai was responsible

ken for one of Kai's allies, she was captured and held hostage for three months. During th

ure in the shadows. He wore a mask, and with her hands bound and blind

his?" Ava

figure didn

Roland, Michael's ri

his eyes never leaving hers. A shiver ran down

" he whispered, his

y, repulsed. "

ing with amusement. "Interesting

aving ava to process the encounte

he room where Ava was being held. The air had been heavy with silen

in reach, he leaned toward her and whispered, "Hold still." Gently, he removed the blin

" he said, flash

find anyone else in this nightmare. "Ava," she re

. "Some men grabbed me on my way home." His eyes darted around the room, scanning for weaknesses

pticism written all over h

confidence lighting up his

of plan?" A

ng her briefly before asking

to a faint smile. "N

'll need your help. This isn't going to be easy,

her voice a hushed whisper, maskin

ed subtly toward the door. Ava

ny. The sound echoed through the basement, drawing immediate attention. Th

now?" one of

m and noticed Kayden was missin

was with you?" one dem

er voice shaking

to the open window on

man, barked as he entered. His piercing gaze swept the room before fo

attering to search. Roland left, but not bef

out of your sig

to uneasy silence, then began to thr

to her?" one gua

a seizure!" an

o do. Kayden, hidden in the shadows, saw his c

legs, tripping the nearest guard. At that moment, K

One drew his gun and started firing wildly, forci

They cautiously approached the

over, he sent one of the guards sprawling. Chaos erupted as Kayden maneu

h speed and precision, he swung it hard at the

abbed the stick into his eyes. The ma

Kayden dove for cover again, narrowly avoiding the bullets.

ists raw and bleeding. She worked frantically as

guard square in the forehead, Ava freed herself. S

shouted, his voice

approached, the last guard-clinging to

t, and Ava crump

hrough him. Without hesitation, he raised his gu

Ava's side. Her blood seeped through h

Kayden asked, hi

" Ava whispe

m the corner of her mouth. "Than

me. Just hold on,

efused to give up. Gritting his teeth, he lifted her onto his back. Ignoring h