My Pure Addiction✨

Chapter 30 (This ends Tonight)

Amelia Harrington

The darkness pressed in from all sides, a suffocating weight that made every breath a struggle. My wrists burned from the rough ropes digging into my skin, but I couldn't stop pulling, twisting, trying to find some way-any way-to loosen the bonds. My heart pounded in my chest, each thud echoing in the silence as I fought against the panic rising inside me.

I wouldn't break. I couldn't.

James hadn't come back for a while, and I knew this was my only chance. I forced myself to stay calm, to focus. Think, Amelia. There has to be a way out.

The rope wasn't completely secure. It wasn't perfect, but if I could just keep working at it-inch by inch-I might be able to free my hands. My fingertips scraped against the rough fibers, and I winced as they bled, but the pain was distant compared to the fear that pulsed through me. I couldn't afford to stop.

But then, the door creaked open, and my heart dropped into my stomach.

James stepped into the room, his face obscured by shadows. His slow, deliberate footsteps filled the space, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he approached me.

"Well, look at you, still trying to escape," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I almost admire your stubbornness, Amelia. Almost."

I glared up at him, refusing to give in to the terror that twisted my insides. "Tyler's coming for me," I said, my voice firmer than I felt. "You won't win."

His laugh was cold, a sharp sound that echoed off the walls. "Tyler? You think he's coming for you? Poor, sweet Amelia. You're deluding yourself." He knelt down in front of me, his cold eyes boring into mine. "He's not coming. Not in time. And even if he does, it won't matter. He can't save you from what's inside your own head."

I clenched my fists, biting down on the fear rising in my throat. I couldn't let him see me break. I wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

James's voice lowered, almost soothing, but it was filled with venom. "You know you're weak, don't you? You've always been. It's why your father could do what he did to you. Why I was able to control you for all those years. Deep down, you're still that scared little girl, hiding in the shadows, waiting for someone to save you. You don't even believe in your own strength."

I blinked away the tears that threatened to fall. His words wormed their way into my mind, igniting old fears, old doubts. I hated how much they hurt. How much they reminded me of the truth I'd been trying to escape my whole life.

But then, I thought of Tyler.

Of his smile. Of the way he held me close after my nightmares. Of the quiet moments when he made me feel safe, loved, and whole.

I wasn't weak. Not anymore. Not with Tyler in my life.

"I'm not the girl you remember, James," I said, my voice steadier now. "You think you have power over me, but you don't. I'm not weak. Not anymore."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-a flash of anger, of uncertainty. But then his cruel smirk returned, colder than ever.

"We'll see how strong you are when Tyler doesn't show up," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Let's see how long you hold out."

He stood, his patience clearly thinning, and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

My body trembled, but I held on to the one thing James couldn't take from me-hope.

Tyler would find me. He had to.

Tyler Harrington

My hands tightened into fists as I stared at the map on the screen in front of me. The tension was thick, almost unbearable. Liam stood beside me, his expression grim as he traced the possible locations James might be hiding her. My heart raced with every passing second, knowing Amelia was out there-scared, hurt, and waiting for me.

"Here," Liam said, pointing to a location marked on the outskirts of the city. "It's a secluded property James purchased a few years back. Quiet, off the grid. I think that's our best shot."

I nodded, my throat tight. My mind was racing, but one thought dominated it all: Amelia.

I had to find her. I couldn't lose her. Not now. Not ever.

Liam glanced at me, his sharp eyes studying my face. "You're different now, Harrington."

"What do you mean?" I asked, distracted as I prepared for the operation.

"Before Amelia," he said, leaning back slightly, "you were reckless. Cold. Nothing mattered to you but your empire. Now look at you. Torn apart for a girl."

I bristled at his words, but he wasn't finished. "Love makes a man weak, Harrington. It clouds your judgment. You're down for this girl, and it's going to get you killed."

I turned to face him fully, my chest tightening with emotion. "No, Ryder. You've got it wrong. Love doesn't make you weak. It makes you stronger. She's my reason to fight. To be better. I was cold and reckless because nothing mattered. Now, everything matters."

Liam's expression darkened, but he nodded slightly, not fully agreeing, but understanding my resolve.

"I hope you're right," he said quietly. "Because tonight, we're going to need every bit of strength you've got."

We prepared for the mission in silence after that, the weight of what was about to happen hanging in the air like a storm. When Gareth arrived, he brought a small team, ready to assist with surveillance and security.

"You two will be the front line," Gareth said, glancing between me and Liam. "I'll handle the tech side. We'll split into three teams. Liam, you secure the perimeter. Make sure no one comes in or out without us knowing. I'll monitor everything from here, keeping you on track."

"And I'll get Amelia," I said, my voice hard and unwavering. "No matter what."

Liam gave a firm nod. "Let's get her back."

The moonlight cast an eerie glow over the abandoned hideout as we split into three teams, the tension mounting with every passing second. Liam's voice came through the comms, calm but firm.

"Remember the plan. My team will secure the perimeter. Gareth's watching everything from his end, and Tyler-get Amelia."

I didn't need the reminder. Amelia was all I could think about. My heart raced as I led my team toward the entrance. I couldn't stop picturing her-tied up, afraid, in James's grasp. I clenched my jaw. The thought of her hurt, helpless, made my blood boil.

Gareth's voice crackled in my ear. "You're in the clear, Tyler. No one's on the first floor. Move fast."

I moved through the dark halls, every step bringing me closer. I knew she was here. I could feel it. As I reached the basement door, a sense of urgency flooded me.

"Stay sharp," I muttered to my men. "This ends tonight."

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