THE INTERSECTION OF BETRAYAL AND TRUST

Marcus was standing in front of me, the forest's shadows framing his outline. The subdued sunshine coming through the trees gave the rifle in his palm a faint glimmer. His piercing eyes were fixed on mine, and his expression was inscrutable.

Neil's men were closing in, and I could hear the faint sound of footsteps behind me. As I became aware of how confined we were, my pulse raced and my chest twisted in fear. Ethan—Ethan was somewhere behind, wounded but desperate to keep me safe, and Lydia had vanished into the forest.

My voice was shaking, but I managed to say, "Marcus." "What are you doing?"

He took a while to respond, his face still composed and strategic. At last, he said in an enragedly nonchalant tone. Olivia, I'm saving your life. That's what you wanted, right?

I blinked, feeling bewildered. "So why do you have that gun aimed at me?"