Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 68: Storm Before the Calm

Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Storm Before the Calm

A modest warning of the approaching storm was indicated by the distant thunder. Because of the weight of what they had just done, the air within the safe house was equally charged. Jonas had left. One less loose end, one less traitor. However, the harm was already done. Lily wasn’t sure whether they could continue to outshine Carlisle because he knew too much.

She watched the sky become darker while standing near the window with her arms about her. Although it hadn’t begun to rain yet, she could sense it was approaching. Suffocating and unavoidable, the heavy humidity adhered to her skin like a second layer.

Behind her, Ethan’s voice was silent. "You’ve spent nearly an hour standing there."

Lily remained still. "I needed the air."

Before his footsteps crossed the room, she heard him sigh. She felt the warmth of his presence next to her a moment later. "Speak to me."

At last, she looked up into his eyes. She could see that he was tired, but there was also worry in those blue eyes. The fight was far from over, and they were both overextended.

With a sad voice, she uttered, "We just executed someone."

Ethan did not recoil. "We made a decision."

Lily took a deep breath. "A decision that I had to make."

His head cocked slightly. "Do you feel bad about it?"

She paused. "I’m not sure."

After examining her for a while, Ethan leaned out and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. In sharp contrast to the cruelty of their environment, his touch was tender. "You fulfilled your obligation, Lily. All of us did.

She took a slow breath and briefly closed her eyes. "Ethan, I don’t want to be like them."

"You’re not going to," he whispered. "You aren’t Carlisle." Daniel is not you. You are fighting for a legitimate cause.

Lily’s eyes opened. "How about you?"

Ethan grinned a little. "I gave up on the idea of good and evil a long time ago. However, you—you are unique.

She was unable to determine whether the chill she felt from his gaze was due to dread or something else. She had spent so much time fighting against this, against them. But in times like these, when the world was crowding in on her and the storm was intensifying outside, Ethan seemed to be the only constant in her existence.

She was frightened by that.

The moment was broken by a forceful knock at the door.

Ethan’s face immediately stiffened. With his revolver in hand, he headed for the door, but Alejandro’s voice interrupted him. "That’s me."

Alejandro entered with a somber expression after Ethan opened the door. "We’re having trouble."

Lily felt her tummy tighten. "Now what?"

Alejandro closed the door after himself. "Carlisle is relocating. Whatever intentions he had, he’s speeding them up. According to our insiders, he is getting ready to eradicate us entirely.

Ethan let out a loud sigh. "How long do we have?"

Alejandro responded, "Hours." "Perhaps less."

Lily balled her hands into fists. "Then we must strike first."

Ethan looked at her abruptly. "It’s too dangerous."

"We have no other option," she contended. "We’re done if Carlisle attacks us first."

Alejandro gave a nod. She is correct. We must attack before he does.

Ethan muttered an expletive. After pacing for a while and running a hand through his hair, he looked up. "All right. After that, we really commit.

Lily stood up. "What is the strategy?"

Ethan grinned icily. "We deliver the storm right to his door."

By the time they arrived at the warehouse where Carlisle was conducting his business, the rain had finally begun. As they strolled in quiet, the city lights projected an eerie glare off the damp pavement.

Lily gripped her revolver tighter. This was the first time she had ever found herself in the midst of a conflict. A struggle for life.

Alejandro looked at his timepiece. "We’re moving in five."

Warm breath pressed against her ear as Ethan drew closer. "Remain near me."

Lily gave him a look. "I am capable of managing myself."

A little smile appeared on his lips. "I understand. But I won’t risk everything with you.

His words caused a break in her inside, but there was no time to examine it.

They moved with a single nod.

The silence was broken by the first bullet.

Then there was an uproar.

Shouting erupted, bullets bounced off metal containers, and the smell of gunpowder blended with the damp ground.

Lily fired at one of Carlisle’s soldiers while remaining low and maneuvering between crates. He fell immediately but was replaced by another.

Beside her, Ethan was a lethal force, moving with accuracy and brutality.

Then she caught sight of Carlisle.

His guys were fighting for him while he stood close to the rear entrance, slipping away.

"Ethan!" Lily pointed and yelled.

Ethan’s eyes became gloomy. "Go. I’ll take care of you.

Lily didn’t think twice. She started running after the man who had ruined so many lives, avoiding falling bodies and gunshots.

She followed Carlisle as he vanished into the warehouse’s darkness.

She could hear her heartbeat in her ears.

Abruptly, she felt a hand snatch her from behind.

She was shoved against a wall with a gun to her temple before she could even respond.

Daniel.

Her throat tightened with each breath.

With a tone full of hate, he muttered, "Hello, Lily."

He twisted her arm behind her back, his fingers pressing into her wrist as the rain and the metallic smell of blood blended.

He tightened his hold and added, "I must say, I’m amazed. You really believed you could defeat Carlisle? His laughter was harsh and gloomy. "Darling, you’re in over your head."

Lily’s mouth tightened. "Give me a break."

Daniel grinned. "Oh no, my love. I have unresolved business with you.

Her thoughts were racing, trying to find a way out, but before she could act—

There was a gunshot.

Daniel grunted sharply as he lost his grip on her. He stumbled back, blood oozing from his shoulder, and Lily gasped, yanking herself free.

Ethan.

His gun up, his face deadly, he stood a few feet away.

"Give her up," Ethan snarled.

For a brief while, Daniel’s grin wavered. Ethan was quicker than him, yet he raised his gun once again.

One more shot.

With his rifle clattering against the pavement, Daniel fell to the ground.

As Lily retreated, her hands shaking, her breath came in jagged gasps.

In a moment, Ethan was at her side, his hands on her shoulders, feeling for wounds. "Are you in pain?"

Still attempting to control her heartbeat, she shook her head. "I’m all right."

Ethan didn’t seem persuaded. His blue eyes were burning with an emotion she couldn’t quite put her finger on, and his jaw was clenched.

They stood there for a while, the rain pelting down all around them, the conflict raging in the background.

Then, in a quiet, nearly whispery voice, Ethan spoke.

"I advised you to remain near me."

Lily gave a shaky sigh. "I knew you would come find me."

There was a flash in his eyes. "Always."

And Lily experienced a dreadful sensation in that instant, despite the storm that was raging all around them.

She was fearless for the first time.

Because whatever transpired next—

She wouldn’t have to face it by herself.