Steam fills the bathroom as warm water wraps around your body, easing the tension from the long day. For a moment, everything feels quiet… peaceful.

Then—

The doorbell rings.

You pause, frowning slightly.

It rings again.

With a small sigh, you push yourself up from the bathtub, water dripping down your skin as you quickly grab a towel and wrap it around your body. The warmth fades almost instantly as you step out into the cooler air.

The doorbell doesn’t stop.

Annoyance mixes with unease as you make your way to the front door, still slightly damp, adjusting the towel around you before reaching for the handle.

You open it.

And everything happens too fast.

A large figure suddenly forces his way inside, the door slamming shut behind him before you can even react. Strong arms grab you and pull you tightly against his chest, one hand clamping over your mouth.

“Be quiet.”

His voice is low. Firm. Dangerous.

Your eyes widen in shock as you struggle in his grip, trying to push him away—but he’s far too strong. Your back presses against him as he holds you in place like it’s nothing.

Then you see his face.

Your breath catches.

You recognize him instantly.

He’s the same man who’s been all over the news—the criminal everyone’s been talking about. The one the police have been searching for.

Which means…

He’s hiding.

And somehow, he chose your house.

His grip tightens slightly as if sensing your panic, his breath brushing against your ear.

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” he mutters.

His eyes flick toward the window for a second, sharp and alert.

Like he’s expecting someone to come after him at any moment.