Page 1 of Oliver

Prologue

Emery

The silence after a swim was always the best part. I liked to shut my eyes and feel my muscles relaxing.

Muscles humming, lungs burning, heart still thundering from the last lap—it was the kind of silence that came with peace. I closed my eyes and enjoyed it. As I always did, after pushing myself to the limit.

With control.

I toweled off my hair, tossed the damp cloth over my shoulder, and headed toward the locker room. The humid air curled around my ankles like steam off the water.

It was after hours. The whole facility was empty, lights dimmed. Just how I liked it.

Private.

Safe.

And no one was watching to see if I made a mistake.

When I signed the contract, to train here, they promised top-tier training, total seclusion, no cameras, and no press.

But they forgot to mention the men with guns.

I heard the sound as I turned the corner—just a whisper of fabric and a sharp intake of breath.

Too fast. Toodeliberate.

I froze.

Listened.

Then—footsteps.

Heavy. Muffled. Not trying to be silent.

They weren’t worried about me hearing them.

Because they didn’t think I was a threat.

Wrong.

My father taught me everything I know.

I grabbed the first thing I could—one of the metal kickboards from the supply rack—and backed toward the hallway exit.

Then I saw the first man.

Black shirt. Military stance. Headset in one ear.

Not security.

Definitely not staff.

He smiled when he saw me.

Bad smile.

“Ms. Blake,” he said, voice smooth. “We’ll need you to come with us.”

---