Chapter 26

CAMILA's pov The night air was heavy, the kind that sticks to your skin and whispers things you don't want to hear. My heart was racing as I stood at the alley's edge, attempting to make sense of the mayhem all around me. Alejandro's worried, desperate voice reverberated in my head. "You can't continue to do this alone, Camila." However, I wasn't by myself, was I? Always lurking in the shadows, Luis's presence was both consoling and oppressive. He had repeatedly stated, "You're not safe without me." I wanted to believe him, to have faith in the unconditional nature of his protection. However, each time I gazed into his eyes, I saw a storm building, a possessiveness that threatened to overwhelm us both. Long shadows danced like ghosts as the city lights flickered. I took calculated risks with every step I took. I was a pawn in the cartel's long-range scheme. Abruptly, there was a sound behind me. "Who's there?" Quiet. Then someone stepped out of the shadows. Alejandro said, "Camila, it'