Chapter 16: Dangerous Liaison “Liam,” she started, her barely above a whisper. “What if this doesn’t work? What if Henry…?” turned to her, gaze for just moment. “We have to Ava. We can’t him controlling us. the of the warehouse where Henry had arranged to meet. was windows and walls covered graffiti. looked abandoned, Ava knew better. Danger lurked inside. As they stepped through the door, the light Henry standing at the far end, flanked by two burly men. His smirk was enough to Ava’s blood boil. Henry drawled, voice dripping with mockery. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show. here, Henry. Let go,” Liam demanded, his voice steady despite palpable tension. Henry laughed, a cold, menacing sound. “Oh, Max is fine. But you know the drill, Liam. You don’t get for nothing. Ava’s fists clenched at her sides. do you want, Henry?” He sauntered closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. “I want back off. digging into things that don’t concern you. else…” Before he could finish, a loud crash through the warehouse. One of men had kicked over a stack of crates, sending debris flying. In the chaos, Liam lunged at Henry, tackling him to the ground. The guard moved to intervene, but Ava was quicker. She grabbed metal from the floor and swung it with her might, hitting man squarely in knee. Henry’s laughter into a grunt of pain as Liam pinned down. “Where is Max?” Liam face inches Henry’s. Henry’s smile but managed to chuckle. “You’ll never find him in time. Ava’s heart sank. She feel the walls closing in, the weight of their crushing her. Desperation her next move. She Henry, her voice low dangerous. “If you hurt I swear—” A sudden movement behind cut her off. The second guard, her blow, and pulled her away Henry. She struggled, but grip was ironclad. “Liam!” she screamed, but her voice was drowned the sounds of the struggle. In the chaos, Henry from Liam’s grasp and stood, adjusting his suit an infuriatingly calm demeanor. he commanded, and his obeyed, releasing Ava stepping back. heavily, Liam feet. “This isn’t over, Henry. Henry smirked. “Oh, but it is. Until you learn your place. With that, and walked out, guards following. The warehouse fell silent, the echoes of their confrontation lingering in the air. Ava and Liam a glance, the unspoken bond them stronger than ever. They had survived, but the was high. Max was out and all cards. As they made their way to their hideout, Ava wrestled with emotions. Anger, fear, and sense helplessness within her. But beneath it all, something else—something she wasn’t ready to confront. Liam’s hand brushed against hers as they walked, a small gesture that sent a jolt through her. She looked up at him, his face bruised but determined. He caught gaze and held a silent promise in his eyes. They reached their apartment, the familiar surroundings offering a small comfort. collapsed onto the couch, burying her face her hands. are we to do, Liam?” He sat her, arm wrapping around her shoulders. “We’ll find Max, Ava. I promise. lifted her head, her eyes meeting his. “And what about What if Henry never lets go?” Liam’s expression softened, rare showing his tough exterior. “We’ll deal with when the time comes. Right now, we need to on Max and keeping each other safe. Ava nodded, but doubt her. She shake feeling their with Henry far over. And amidst the chaos, feelings for Liam grew more complicated the day. Ava phone buzzing. reached it, her heart skipping she saw the message. “Meet me the old pier. Fear and determination warred within her. knew it was a trap, but she couldn’t ignore the chance to Max. She glanced Liam, still asleep, his face peaceful despite the bruises. She scribbled a note and left it on the table, quietly slipped out the door. The old pier deserted, the water lapping quietly the wooden posts. Ava’s footsteps echoed in the stillness she designated meeting spot. Henry emerged from the shadows, a sinister smile face. “You came alone. or foolish?” Max?” Ava demanded, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins. Henry gestured behind him, and Max appeared, bound and gagged but seemingly unharmed. Ava’s was short-lived as Henry stepped his cold. “Now, Ava. Here’s the deal. and off, Max price. Ava’s mind raced. She had to think fast. She couldn’t let Henry win, but she couldn’t risk Max’s life either. “I proof that he’s she said, time. Henry’s widened. “Smart girl. Very well. He pulled out his phone, but before he could make the call, loud shout broke the silence. “Ava, duck!” She dropped to the ground a shot rang narrowly missing her. Liam charged forward, tackling Henry to ground. The skidded across the Max struggled against his bonds, trying to get free. scrambled to feet, the and it at Henry. Henry laughed, a chilling sound that sent down her spine. “You really this with me?” punched Henry, knocking out cold. turned Ava, his face a of relief and concern. “Are you okay?” She nodded, hands shaking as she lowered the gun. “We need get Max out here. They quickly who hugged Ava tightly. “I knew you’d come. they made their back to safety, Ava’s mind was a of thoughts. was right—this wasn’t over. But for now, had a small victory. get through this,” Max whispered, his voice comforting presence in darkness. nodded, a small smile tugging at lips. “Together.