Page 157 of BounBound By Scars

I lowered my weapon slightly to signal them to duck.

A frown painted on Ghost’s face.

Zane ducked immediately as the first shot rang out.

Seb flinched, dropping down with a sharp grunt as a bullet grazed his arm.

“Contact—left flank!” Ghost shouted, immediately grabbing Dylan and shoving him down behind the SUV just as another shot splintered a stone column beside them.

Chaos erupted.

Gunfire lit up the night, muzzle flashes strobing across the field.

Romano’s backup team flooded out from hidden spots—Dragon’s men. Precision-trained. Ruthless.

I ducked behind the edge of a decorative statue, my mind racing.

I couldn’t blow my cover directly.

But I could still fight.

Silently, I reached for the hidden handgun strapped under my tactical vest. My last card.

Showtime.

I peeked out—fired once.

A Romano mercenary dropped instantly.

Shifted angle—pop.

Second one down.

The third was retreating into the trees—his aim pointed at Ghost. My shot hit him clean in the back.

Dragon’s voice cracked in my ear, frantic. “Where the hell are those shots coming from?! Blackthorn’s got backup! Repeat—backup confirmed!”

I smirked, ducking low.

Haan, chutiye.I’mtheir backup.

But the chaos spiraled. Ammunition was thinning. Even Blackthorn’s crew was starting to reposition—less offensive, more defensive.

And then I saw it.

Zane signaled the retreat.

Smoke grenades hissed. Cover fire was laid.

They were pulling out.

Smart. It was a goddamn deathtrap, and they’d walked right into it.

I fired two final shots to cover their exit, then turned on my heel and ran.

Through the gardens.

Through the estate’s outer gate.

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