The Edge Of Innocence

Escape Plan

Ryan's POV

The cabin wasn't much, just a run-down place deep in the woods about an hour outside of town. Caleb had used it as a hideout a few years ago, and it was the only place I could think of where Luca's crew wouldn't find us.

Sophie sat in the passenger seat, quiet, lost in thought as I drove. The road stretched out before us, empty and dark. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the pavement. It felt surreal—running away from everything, leaving behind the life we knew. But I had no other choice. Luca had pushed me too far, and now it was time to fight back.

"We can't stay here forever," Sophie said after a while, breaking the silence. "What's the plan after this?"

"I'll deal with Luca," I replied, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "Once I know you're safe, I'll take him down."

Sophie frowned, turning to face me. "And how do you plan on doing that? He has more people than you, Ryan. It's not just about fighting him one-on-one."

I clenched my jaw, not wanting to tell her the whole truth. "I'll figure it out."

But Sophie wasn't satisfied with that answer. "I don't want you getting hurt because of me."

"It's not just about you," I said, my voice harsher than I intended. "I should have stopped him a long time ago. If I don't do this now, he'll just keep coming after everyone I care about. This ends with me."

Sophie looked at me for a long time, her expression unreadable. Then she reached over and took my hand, her touch gentle. "You don't have to do it alone, Ryan. I'm with you."

Her words sent a wave of warmth through me, but they also made me even more determined to keep her safe. I didn't want her involved in this any more than she already was. But I knew there was no stopping her now. Sophie was all in, and I couldn't afford to lose her.