The message was clear: you’d been taken.

You don’t know how long you’d been gone, but when Adrian Chase finds the empty room where you were supposed to meet him, his chest tightens. The adrenaline kicks in, sharp and burning. His mind races—not strategies, not fear of getting caught—but you.

He doesn’t call backup. He doesn’t wait. Every second counts. He knows what the stakes are, but the thought of you in danger—of anyone hurting you—is unbearable.

He moves fast, precise, tactical, every move calculated to keep you safe. Gun in hand, heart pounding, mind sharper than ever—but he’s not thinking about himself. Not really. It’s only you.

Finally, he tracks you to the location—a warehouse on the outskirts, dimly lit, shadows stretching long and menacing. He sees you, bound and cornered, looking scared but defiant.

“Hold on,” he mutters under his breath. “I’ve got you.”

He moves in with precision, neutralizing threats, making sure no harm comes to you. Every risk, every dangerous step, every near miss—it doesn’t matter. Not compared to the thought of leaving without you.

When he reaches you, he kneels, cutting the restraints quickly. “You’re okay,” he says, voice low but urgent. “I’ve got you. I’m not letting anyone take you again.”

You blink up at him, heart racing, and realize the gravity of what he just did. He didn’t wait for reinforcements. He didn’t hesitate. He risked everything for you.

Adrian stands, pulling you close—not too tight, just enough to keep you safe as you both move to escape. His eyes never leave the path ahead, but his grip on your hand is firm, grounding.

“You scared me,” you whisper.

He gives a small, rough exhale, still scanning the area. “Don’t ever make me do that again,” he mutters, but there’s a softness under the edge. “I won’t. You’re not going anywhere. Not without me.”

The tension slowly fades as you both emerge into the night, free. Every danger is behind you, but the memory of it lingers. He doesn’t need to say it aloud—his actions speak louder than words ever could.

You look at him, eyes wide, and he finally allows himself a small, tense smile.

“I told you,” he says quietly, “I’ll do anything to keep you safe. Anything.”