The hallway was a chaotic mess of shoving and shouting. Yvonne saw an elderly woman stumble and reached out to help her. The woman used Yvonne''s arm to steady herself, then pushed her aside and ran on. Yvonne staggered, nearly falling, but was caught by the same staff member who had been directing people.


    “Be careful, miss,” he said, holding her arm. “Are you hurt? The exit is this way. I''l get you out."


    He grabbed her hand and pulled her along, moving much faster than the surrounding crowd. He led her down a stairwell, and by the time they reached the basement level, the lights were dim and they were alone.


    Suddenly, Yvonne stopped.


    "There''s no one else around. Where are we going? nning to finish the job in the parking garage?" she asked, pulling her hand free. Her voice was cold.


    The man stopped too, his friendly demeanor vanishing, reced by a sinister grin. "You figured it out faster than I expected."


    Yvonne scoffed. She''d been


    suspicious from the start. “There


    were elderly people and children in that hallway, but you grabbed me and ran. And those calluses on your hands don''t belong to a hoteb manager. You started the fire didn''t you? George sent you. Afson, murder... you people have no limits."


    “Little girl, has anyone ever told you that knowing too much can get you killed?"


    As he spoke, a dozenrge men emerged from the shadows, surrounding her. They were professionals. Yvonne''s hands balled into fists. She was a good fighter, but she was severely outnumbered. George was clearly not taking any chances.


    She scanned her surroundings, then made her move. With a swift kick, she sent the fake staff member flying and darted back toward the stairs But her path was blocked by several more men, some holding weapons. She fought back taking down two of them, but not without Sustaining a few cuts herself. It was a losing battle. They could wear her down with sheer numbers.


    Her breathing grew ragged, her


    clothes soaked with sweat. A glint of


    metal shed before her eyes-


    knife tunging at


    [Lace She


    couldn''t dodge in time. Just as she


    thought it was over, a foot shot out, kicking the knife from the attacker''s hand and sending him flying.


    Bet. He appeared out of nowhere, disabling another man with one hand while pulling her behind him with the other. Her back pressed against his solid, warm chest, and the scent of him filled her senses. A wave of relief washed over her.