Chapter 0010: The Enemy of My Enemy
The SUV sped through the dimly lit streets, the tension inside the vehicle thick enough to choke on. Zara's fingers curled into fists on her lap, her mind racing with unanswered questions.
Rehan drove with the ease of a man who had been in situations like this before. His eyes flickered between the road and the rearview mirror, his sharp gaze studying Zara and Ryan.
"You still haven't answered the real question," Ryan said, his voice low but firm. "What exactly do you want from us?"
Rehan exhaled, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. "Adeel has been a problem for a long time. But until now, I didn't have the leverage to go after him directly."
Zara frowned. "And we are that leverage?"
Rehan smirked slightly. "You are the disruption he didn't expect. His focus is divided now, making him vulnerable."
Ryan leaned forward slightly. "So, you're planning to take him down?"
Rehan's expression darkened. "Let's just say… I intend to make sure he doesn't walk away from this unscathed."
Zara felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew Adeel was dangerous, but the way Rehan spoke made her realize that he wasn't any less deadly.
"You're asking us to trust you when we barely know who you are," she said carefully.
Rehan glanced at her through the mirror. "Trust is earned. I don't expect you to give it freely." He made a sharp turn down a secluded road. "But I do expect you to make smart choices if you want to stay alive."
The SUV slowed as they approached an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Rehan killed the engine and turned to face them.
"This is where you decide," he said. "You can walk away right now and take your chances with Adeel's men… or you can work with me."
Zara looked at Ryan. She saw the same conflict in his eyes that was twisting inside her. They had no guarantee that Rehan was truly on their side. But one thing was clear—facing Adeel alone would be a death sentence.
Ryan clenched his jaw and gave a slow nod. "We're in."
Rehan's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Good."
But as Zara stepped out of the SUV, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. She had a feeling that aligning with Rehan wasn't just a choice.
It was a point of no return.
A Dangerous Alliance
Zara took a deep breath as she stepped into the dimly lit warehouse, her heels clicking against the concrete floor. The scent of old metal and dust filled the air, mixing with the tension that surrounded them. Ryan walked beside her, his posture rigid, while Rehan led the way with the ease of someone who had walked into dangerous situations before.
Rows of crates lined the space, some stacked high against the walls, others open with weapons and supplies visible inside. Zara's throat tightened. This wasn't just a hideout—this was preparation for war.
Rehan stopped near a wooden table in the center, gesturing for them to sit. He leaned against the edge, arms crossed over his chest. "You made the right choice."
Ryan scoffed. "That remains to be seen."
Rehan chuckled. "Fair enough. But first, you need to understand what you're up against." He pulled out a tablet and swiped across the screen, revealing a series of surveillance photos.
Zara's stomach dropped. The images showed Adeel at various locations—inside a lavish hotel, at a private meeting in a restaurant, speaking to men who looked every bit as dangerous as him. But what sent a cold shiver down her spine was the last picture.
It was her. Standing outside her office.
Her hand trembled as she reached for the screen. "When was this taken?"
"Yesterday." Rehan's voice was unreadable. "Adeel has eyes everywhere."
Ryan clenched his fists. "Why is he so focused on her?"
Rehan's gaze darkened. "Because she's unpredictable. He doesn't like variables he can't control."
Zara swallowed the lump in her throat. "So what's the plan?"
Rehan smirked. "Simple. We hit him where it hurts. His power isn't just in money—it's in the people who fear him. We need to take that away."
Ryan leaned forward. "You're talking about dismantling his entire operation."
Rehan nodded. "Precisely."
Zara glanced at Ryan. There was no turning back now.
Adeel wasn't just watching them.
He was coming for them.
The Calm Before the Storm
The night was unnervingly silent as Zara sat by the large window of their safe house, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago, her life had revolved around business meetings and investments. Now, she was entangled in a dangerous game where one wrong move could mean the end.
Ryan entered the room, his expression unreadable as he placed two cups of coffee on the table. "You should get some rest," he said, taking a seat across from her.
Zara shook her head. "I can't. Not with everything happening." She took a slow sip of the coffee, letting its warmth chase away the cold fear settling inside her. "Do you really think we can stop Adeel?"
Ryan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "It's not about stopping him, Zara. It's about making sure he knows he can't control us."
Her fingers tightened around the cup. "And if he doesn't back down?"
Ryan's gaze met hers, steady and unwavering. "Then we make sure he doesn't get the chance to fight back."
A chill ran down her spine. It was the first time she'd heard such finality in his voice.
Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and Rehan stepped inside, his phone in hand. His expression was grim.
"We have a problem."
Zara set her cup down. "What is it?"
Rehan glanced at Ryan before speaking. "Adeel just made his move. He put a bounty on you two."
Zara's breath caught in her throat. "What?"
Rehan nodded. "It's all over the underground networks. Whoever delivers you to him gets a fortune."
Ryan clenched his jaw. "That means we're running out of time."
Zara's heartbeat quickened. They were no longer just targets—they were prizes in a deadly hunt.
And the predators were already closing in.
A Game of Survival
Zara's fingers curled into fists as she absorbed Rehan's words. A bounty. A price on their heads. It wasn't just Adeel's men they had to worry about anymore—now, every opportunist looking for quick money would be after them.
Ryan stood up, his face unreadable, but Zara could see the storm brewing behind his eyes. "We need to move. Now."
Rehan nodded, already dialing a number on his phone. "I'll arrange a new safe house, but we have to be smart about this. Adeel has eyes everywhere."
Zara swallowed hard, her mind racing. "And if we don't make it in time?"
Ryan looked at her, his jaw tight. "Then we fight."
A shiver ran down her spine. There was no hesitation in his voice—only cold, unwavering certainty.
Rehan ended his call. "We have a window of twenty minutes. There's a car waiting in the alley behind the building."
Zara took a deep breath, pushing down the fear threatening to consume her. This was her reality now. She wasn't just a businesswoman anymore; she was a survivor in a game she never asked to play.
Ryan took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "No matter what happens, stay close to me."
She met his gaze and nodded.
The clock was ticking.
And the hunt had begun.
The Escape
The night air was thick with tension as Zara, Ryan, and Rehan made their way down the back stairs of the safe house. Each step echoed in the narrow corridor, amplifying the sense of urgency.
Ryan led the way, his eyes scanning every shadow, every movement. Zara's heart pounded as they reached the exit door leading to the alley. Rehan pressed his ear against it, listening for any signs of trouble.
"All clear," he whispered before pushing the door open.
The car was parked a few feet away, engine running. A dark sedan, tinted windows—untraceable.
Ryan placed a hand on Zara's back, urging her forward. "Get in."
Just as she reached the car, headlights flashed at the alley's entrance. A black SUV screeched to a stop, blocking their path. Doors flung open, and masked men stepped out, guns raised.
"Go, go!" Rehan shouted, pulling his own weapon.
Ryan shoved Zara into the back seat and jumped in beside her. Rehan dived into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut. "Drive!"
The tires screeched as their car shot forward, narrowly missing a burst of gunfire. Bullets shattered the rear window, glass spraying into the cabin. Zara ducked instinctively, her breath coming in short gasps.
Ryan twisted in his seat, gun in hand. He fired a shot, hitting one of the attackers in the leg. The man collapsed, clutching his wound as the others scrambled for cover.
Rehan cursed under his breath. "They were waiting for us."
Ryan's grip tightened around his gun. "Adeel isn't playing anymore."
Zara forced herself to breathe. Fear wouldn't save her now. She looked at Ryan, determination burning in her eyes. "Then neither are we."
The chase had just begun.
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(To be Continue...)