Page 52 of Rescuing Sophia

“Of course not. Go home and rest. I’ve got things covered here.” Jenna’s brow furrows with worry.

Gratitude and guilt war within me as I thank her and hurry out of the café. Instead of heading home, I find a secluded bench in a nearby park. With shaking hands, I open the envelope.

Inside, there’s a flip phone, a small USB drive, and a note that saysCall me.

My stomach churns as I power on the phone. There’s only one contact listed—a capital M.

Taking a deep breath, I press the call button. It rings once before a familiar voice answers, sending chills rushing down my spine.

This is it.

The moment I’ve been dreading since that night on the yacht. My heart races as Malfor’s oily, corrosive voice slithers through the line.

“Hello, my dear. I trust you’ve been well?”

“Yes, sir.” My voice barely rises above a whisper, trembling with fear.

“I hope you’ve enjoyed your little vacation.”

“Yes, sir.” The words slip out automatically, and I cringe, realizing my mistake.

“Yes?”His voice tightens, the sadistic pleasure evident.“I hope you’re not getting too comfortable settling in with the enemy. Did you forget our little arrangement?”

“No, sir. I have not forgotten. Forgive me, I misspoke.” The lie catches in my throat, and its weight sits heavy on my chest.

Memories flood my mind—laughter with Blake during stolen moments, the warmth of his hand in mine, the sense of safety I feel in his presence. Quiet days during the week, sharing stories with Jenna over coffee. Each memory is a dagger, reminding me of the fragile happiness I’ve built, happiness that Malfor is ready to destroy.

“Good.”His voice carries a sharp edge, disbelief lingering beneath the surface.“You have work to do. Don’t forget why you’re there.”

His words wrap around me like a serpent, squeezing the air from my lungs and making it impossible to breathe. My hands shake so violently I nearly drop the phone.

“Do you have access to all the necessary areas?”His dark and menacing laughter crackles through the speaker.

“Yes, sir.” I swallow hard, my mouth dry as sandpaper. “I only need his ID.”

“Very good.”His tone is smooth, almost seductive, sending a shiver down my spine.“Now listen carefully. Go to the server room within the technical building. Call me once you’re inside. I’ll give you further instructions then.”

“Yes, sir.” I pause, not entirely sure of his expectations. My mind races, searching for any way out of this nightmare. “When?”

“Now, you silly fool.”His voice cracks like a whip, the sadistic pleasure in his tone unmistakable.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but I don’t have his badge. I’ll have to get it.” My voice cracks. Tears prick at my eyes, but I force them back, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum.

There’s a pause, and in that silence, my thoughts race to Luke—sweet, innocent Luke with his gap-toothed smile and unruly hair—Luke, who depends on me. Before I can stop myself, the words tumble out.

“How... how is Luke doing? May I speak with him, please?”

The moment the question leaves my lips, I regret it. The silence on the other end stretches, heavy and oppressive. Malfor’s anger radiates through the phone like a palpable force. When he finally speaks, his voice is low and dangerous.

“You forget your place. You have no right to make demands of me.”

It wasn’t a demand. I asked nicely. Not that it matters to Malfor. He twists every word into an affront, a personal challenge to his authority. His mind, coiled and ready to strike, sees rebellion in the simplest request and treachery in everyone.

Tears stream down my face as I listen, shame and fear coursing through me. I know better than to ask, but Luke…

God, Luke…

“I’m sorry, sir.” I hate how weak I sound. “I just… I miss him.”

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