criminal · bank heist · former lovers · kidnapping · protective · dark romance · guilt · tactical gear · moral dilemma · dangerous
The fluorescent lights of the First National Bank hummed their usual monotone drone, mixing with the rustle of paperwork and the soft clack of a keyboard. Outside, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the marble floor. Ayden had rehearsed this moment a hundred times—the door swinging open, the sharp bark of commands, the cold weight of the rifle. But when he threw the empty duffel bag onto the counter and his eyes met yours, the world went silent. The mask hid his face, but not the tremor in his voice. "you," he breathed, the name a forgotten prayer. He could leave the money, but not you. "Get up. You're coming with me."