"The most dangerous man is the one who has nothing to lose." Unknown

  Saint

  The drive to Lake Serenity felt like an eternity. Every mile that passed was a battle against the rising panic in my chest. Julian’s words echoed in my mind: *“Secluded… no one will find her there.”* He was right. The cabin was isolated, nestled deep in the woods, far from any prying eyes. It was the perfect place to hide someone. Or to keep them captive.

  I parked the car a safe distance away, the headlights cutting through the dense trees. The cabin was dark, silent. Too silent. A knot tightened in my stomach. I grabbed my bag from the backseat. Inside, along with a few other necessities, was my gun. I wasn't a violent man, but I'd become something else these past few days. Something harder, more dangerous. Driven by a primal need to protect what was mine. To bring her home.

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  I moved through the trees like a shadow, my senses on high alert. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, had me tensing, ready for a confrontation. I reached the edge of the clearing, the cabin looming before me. It was a two-story structure, built of dark wood, blending seamlessly into the surrounding forest. There were no lights on. No signs of life. But I knew she was there. I could feel it in my bones.

  I circled the cabin, checking the windows. They were all closed, the curtains drawn tight. I tried the front door. Locked. I moved to the back, where a small porch overlooked the lake. Another door. Also locked. Frustration boiled inside me. I needed to get in. I needed to get to her.

  I was about to force a window when I heard a sound. A faint sob, coming from inside the cabin. It was Veronica. I knew it. My heart pounded in my chest. She was close. So close.

  I lowered my hand, my muscles tensing. I couldn’t just break in, not knowing what Liam was capable of. I needed to be smart. I needed to be careful. I needed to get her out of there, safe and unharmed.

  I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. I had to think clearly. I had to be strategic. I had to be… patient. Something I hadn’t been with her lately. Something I desperately needed to be now. Because her life, her safety, depended on it.

  I leaned against the cabin wall, listening intently. I needed to know what was happening inside. I needed to know where Liam was. I needed to know… if she was okay. And then, I would go in. And I would bring her home. No matter what it took.