Aiden Knight's POV
I grab Jade's arm and pull her deeper into the villa just as shadows move across my front windows. Her pursuers have arrived faster than expected.
"How many?" I ask quietly.
"At least five." She presses herself against the wall, clutching her injured side. "Maybe more."
The doorbell rings once. Twice. Then someone pounds on the reinforced wood with enough force to rattle the frame.
I motion for Jade to stay silent and move toward the entrance. Through the security display, I count six figures in dark clothing. Professional stance. Coordinated positioning. These aren't street thugs.
"We know you're in there!" The leader's voice carries the authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed. "Send out the woman and we'll leave peacefully."
I glance back at Jade. Her face has gone pale, but her jaw is set with determination. Whatever she's running from, she'd rather die than face it.
"There's no woman here," I call through the door.
