If you only knew...

34.I want you

Ana's POV

As we leap into the car, my heart races, and my breaths come in quick gasps. This night has been a whirlwind of tension and fear, but the thrill of our achievement has me buzzing with excitement!

The engine roars to life, and as we tear down the dark, winding mountain roads, I can't contain myself any longer.

"We're the best agents our boss could ever hope for!" I shout, my voice bursting with enthusiasm. My partner glances over, a proud smile creeping across his face, reflecting the shared exhilaration of our victory.

The night envelops us in pitch darkness, the mountains and forests taking on a sinister silhouette under the moonlight. It's the kind of eerie silence that sends chills racing down your spine, accentuated by the absence of any vehicle or human presence.

Just as I begin to savor our hard-fought victory, a glimmer of light catches my eye in the rearview mirror. Car headlights suddenly pierce through the night after a sharp bend in the road, jolting me into panic. My heart kicks into overdrive—there's someone behind us!

"Xavier! They are chasing us!" I scream, my voice tinged with fear, my body trembling as adrenaline courses through me.

"I've noticed," he replies, his voice a mix of seriousness and fear. "I'll do my best to shake them off, but it feels nearly impossible on these winding mountain roads. There's nowhere to hide, no chance to change direction." His gaze locks on the road ahead, determination etched across his face as he presses down on the accelerator, the engine roaring in response.

Every time we hit a curve, a jolt of fear grips me as we whip around it at breakneck speed, teetering on the edge of the abyss that lurks within the dense forest.
There's a moment when I can't help but squeeze my eyes shut, the urge to scream rising within me like a tidal wave. But in a desperate bid for calm, I place my trust in Xavier and his incredible driving skills, hoping he can guide us safely through this wild ride.

He clearly knows what he's doing, but it sends a chill down my spine to realize that we haven't completely shaken them off. Their determination is palpable; they're relentless in their pursuit, and it's unsettling to think they will stop at nothing to catch us, no matter how long the chase lasts.

Though they lag behind each bend in the road, they take a desperate chance, firing their weapons wildly in hopes that a stray bullet might find its mark and hit our tires or — us.

"Xavier!! They are shooting at us!" I scream in fear as the sound of bullets whizzes through the air, striking the trees along the road with a sharp crack, sending splinters flying. The tension is palpable as the chaos unfolds all around me.

"Ana, take a deep breath" he urges, his voice low and steady. "Bow your head and stay out of sight." His gripping hands remain glued to the steering wheel, as his eyes fixate intently on the path ahead. He pushes the accelerator, driving at breakneck speed through the sharp curves, the tires screeching as they tear down the winding road.

I take a deep breath and follow his advice, sliding down and tucking myself under the seat. Stealing glances at him, I attempt to steady my racing heart. There he is, impossibly calm, and it makes me question everything—does he truly mask his fear this well, or what's the secret of his composure?

......................................

After what feels like an endless chase, we finally create some space between us and our pursuers, thanks to my partner's deft driving skills. He suddenly veers off the main road and races down a narrow, winding path tucked away in the heart of the forest. The towering trees stretch toward the sky, casting eerie shadows as we move deeper into their embrace.