The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside.

As the doors began to slide shut, I saw Mr. Hayes standing at the end of the hall, watching us leave.

The descent was fast, the numbers ticking down on the digital display.

My heart hammered against my ribs with every floor we passed.

We reached the lobby, and Nathan pushed through the revolving doors into the cool, damp Manhattan air.

The rain was coming down harder now, bouncing off the black pavement.

Nathan’s driver was already waiting at the curb, the engine of the black SUV idling.

The driver rushed to open the door for us.

We climbed into the leather interior, the smell of rain and wet asphalt following us inside.

“The estate,” Nathan told the driver.

“And hurry.”

The driver nodded and pulled out into the heavy midtown traffic.

I looked out the window as the city lights began to blur into streaks of yellow and red.

Lily let out a small whimper, and I rocked her gently, humming a soft tune to quiet her.

Nathan reached over and took my hand, his grip tight and warm.