DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 39

Avery's POV

For days, I had been under heavy protection.

Rick wasn't taking any chances.

The mansion was on lockdown, guards stationed at every entrance, every hallway, every fucking corner. No one got in. No one got out. The team had been laser-focused on their plan to take Rafael down, pouring over intel, strategizing every possible move.

Tension ran thick. Every second felt like the calm before a storm.

Then came the security threat.

A breach. A high-risk target spotted miles away.

Rick moved instantly.

The boys and him—most of the guards—left to handle it.

Only a handful of men stayed behind.

Including Thomas.

The night fell heavy and quiet.

Too quiet.

I sat in my room, the air thick with unease, my fingers tightening around the pendant on my necklace. Something felt off. A nagging sensation curled in my stomach, a warning I couldn't shake.

But I forced myself to push it aside.

I had been on edge for days. Maybe it was just paranoia.

I glanced at the clock. Almost midnight.

Letting out a slow breath, I stood and made my way to the bathroom, running the tap. Cool water rushed over my fingers before I cupped some and splashed it onto my face.

Calm down, Avery.

I patted my skin dry and stared at my reflection. Dark, tired eyes. The faintest hint of worry creasing my brows.

My thoughts drifted to Rick. Was he safe?

I sighed and stepped back into my room. The lamp on my nightstand cast a warm, golden glow. Everything felt normal.

Maybe I'd read too much into it.

Maybe—

BOOM.

The ground shook.

A deafening explosion ripped through the air, followed by the sharp staccato of gunfire. My breath caught as the walls vibrated, picture frames crashing to the floor.

Then, shouting. Heavy footsteps pounding against the marble.

I spun toward the door, but before I could take a step—

CRACK.

The lock snapped. The door burst open.

A team of masked men poured inside, moving like ghosts.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

Run.

I barely had time to react before one lunged at me. My fingers closed around the heavy vase on my nightstand, and I swung hard. It shattered against his skull. He stumbled, cursing, giving me just enough time.

I ran.

Down the hall.

Through the chaos.

Smoke curled through the air, gunfire ringing through the mansion. I dodged past fallen guards, slipping through the shadows. Moving fast. Moving like I knew exactly where to go.