Chapter 1 The Chase Begins

~ Lila ~

I ran.

My heels thudded against the slick pavement, each breath a fiery reminder of my panic. Behind me, footsteps echoed in the desolate alley-steady, purposeful, like a predator stalking its prey. The city lights ahead felt like a distant dream, blurred by the relentless rain.

I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have taken this damn assignment.

Damon Blackwood's name had been a hot topic in every newsroom for years. A billionaire genius, a ghost who shunned interviews, a man as elusive as he was enigmatic. When the opportunity to meet him came my way, I thought it would be a game-changer for my career. Instead, it might just cost me my life.

A figure loomed at the alley's exit-a shadow framed by the streetlights. I skidded to a halt, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

Trapped.

"Keep running, and this ends badly for you," a voice called from the darkness behind me.

I turned slowly. Two men stood there. Black suits, unreadable expressions, corporate muscle. I'd seen them at Blackwood Tower earlier that night, standing by Damon like polished sentinels.

I forced myself to breathe steadily. "I don't know what you think I did, but-"

The first man interrupted me. "You have something that doesn't belong to you, Ms. Monroe."

I swallowed hard. "What are you talking about?"

"The drive."

I blinked. The drive? I hadn't taken anything. The last thing I remembered was leaving Damon Blackwood's penthouse after our interview-his piercing blue eyes fixed on me, a mix of amusement and caution in his gaze. But then...

The bar. The drink.

The sudden wave of dizziness.

My pulse quickened. I had been drugged. But by whom? And why?

Panic surged through me. If they thought I had something, I needed to escape before they searched me and discovered I didn't. These weren't the kind of men who would overlook a mistake.

I took a cautious step back, assessing my options. The man on the left reached inside his coat-gun or knife, I didn't want to find out. Instinct kicked in.

I spun around and took off.

Shouts erupted behind me. A sharp whistle. Then-BANG.

A gunshot.

I ducked behind a dumpster as a bullet ricocheted off the brick wall, just inches from where I had been standing. My heart raced in my chest, and I struggled to catch my breath. They were out to get me.

But why?

I had no other option. I fished the pepper spray out of my purse and held it tightly. I needed to reach the street-someone had to see me.

I heard footsteps coming closer-fast. The man was almost upon me. I gripped the canister tighter, and just as he lunged, I spun around and sprayed him right in the face.

He let out a scream, clutching his eyes.

I didn't stick around. I dashed past him, out of the alley, and into the vibrant city lights.

People. Cars. Safety.

But just when I thought I was in the clear, a sleek black car screeched to a halt in front of me. The back door swung open.

And there he was-Damon Blackwood, waiting inside.

His gaze met mine-calm and knowing.

"Get in, Lila," he said smoothly. "Unless you'd prefer to let them catch you."

I paused, torn. Was I escaping danger or walking right into it?