Page 57 of Rescuing Sophia

“You guys are impossible.” I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head at their antics.

“Come on, Blake. Just admit it. She’s got you wrapped around her little finger.” Gabe claps me on the back, his grin widening.

“Alright, alright.” I hold up my hands in mock surrender. “You got me. Now, can we please get to work?”

As we dive into the day’s tasks, the playful banter fades, replaced by the focused intensity that defines our team. Still, the lingering smiles and occasional jabs remind me that, despite everything, these guys are my family. And for that, I’m grateful.

EIGHTEEN

Sophia

Blake’sbroad shoulders retreat into the distance, each step tearing a piece of my heart away. My chest tightens painfully, the weight of what I’m about to do crushing me from within.

How can I possibly let go of this amazing, virile man who has been my strength, my protector? The thought of never feeling his touch again, never hearing his voice, rips through me like a knife. I’m going to miss him so much it physically hurts.

As soon as he disappears, I reach into my pocket, fingers closing around his badge. My steps are quick and purposeful as I change direction, heading not toward the café but to the technical building.

The flip phone Malfor gave me feels like a lead weight in my hand. I dial with trembling fingers.

“What?”His voice, cold and irritated, grates against my ear.

“There’s a problem.” I force the words out. “The badge. It’ll be deactivated as soon as Blake gets a replacement.”

A string of curses crackles through the line, followed by a long pause. Then Malfor’s oily voice slithers toward me again.“Did those idiots give you a badge?”

“Yes, sir. Everyone has one.”

“Good. We’ll clone it. Now, listen carefully. Do exactly as I say. First thing, get to the tech building. Call me the moment you’re inside.”

“Yes, sir.” I nod, forgetting he can’t see me.

The line goes dead. I swallow hard, pocketing the phone and quickening my pace.

Guardian HQ sprawls before me, a maze of buildings separated by manicured lawns, walking paths, and the ever-present golf carts as people move around.

The technical center looms ahead, all glass and steel, familiar yet suddenly foreboding. My steps falter as I approach the entrance, my heart pounding against my ribs.

I reach for Blake’s badge, then freeze. The weight of my own badge around my neck is a glaring reminder of my deception. Sweat beads on my forehead as I push Blake’s stolen badge deeper into my pocket. The cold metal against my flushed skin sends a shiver through me, amplifying the guilt that gnaws at my insides.

Two guards flank the entrance, their postures alert despite the early hour. I force a smile, praying they can’t hear the frantic beating of my heart.

“Morning, Sophia,” the taller guard greets me, his smile genuine.

“Hey,” I manage, my voice steadier than I feel. “How’s it going?”

“Going great,” he replies. His partner nods in agreement. “Love The Guardian Grind, by the way. Best coffee on the planet.”

“Oh, thanks so much.” The words taste like ash in my mouth.

The shorter guard tilts his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Aren’t you working at the Grind today?”

My stomach lurches. “Oh, no,” I lie, the words tumbling out. “Mitzy’s giving me another tour. I’m supposed to meet her inside.”

“Do you know where you’re going?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I offer a quick smile, perhaps too quickly. “Yeah, yeah, I know where I’m going. Don’t worry about me.”

They wave me through, and I swipe my badge with trembling fingers. Green light. I’m in.

---