Why did you save me?" Mei Ling's voice trembled as her eyes met his cold, calculating gaze.
His eyes were calm and unreadable, almost intimidating.
Again, her mind was filled with thoughts.
Why will a stranger risk himself for me?
He gave a short, but authoritative response, "Because you were in danger. That's all you need to know."
Again, her pulse quickened as she watched him. He was cold yet somehow protective.
"Stay close. Don't speak unless I tell you to." He commanded.
She thought for a moment; It's clearly not safe here. I should follow him.
So, she followed him.
She noticed the narrow streets, flickering lights, wet ground, and faint sounds in the distance.
Her hands trembled as she clutched her bag.
Her eyes followed his every move as he walked.
A shadow moved toward them and she gasped.
The stranger reacted instantly, silently taking out the threat.
Her heart pounded as she watched.
He isn't just protecting me; he could kill.
He reassured her, "You're safe for now. But only temporarily."
Temporarily? Does that mean there's more danger?
His quick glances showed care even without his words.
"You're not used to this life, that's okay. You'll learn quickly, or you won't survive." He said quietly.
Mei Ling stayed silent, refusing to show her fear, yet her thoughts ran wild.
His world is dangerous, and I'm stepping right into it.
He said, "You'll stay with me until it's safe. No questions. Just follow my instructions."
Mei Ling hesitated, torn between fear and survival.
Finally, she nodded.
I don't have a choice. I have to survive.
They arrived at a safe location; a small, secure apartment. Dim light revealed hidden security measures.
Mei Ling glanced around, she felt anxious but tried to stay calm.
Her shoes clicked softly on the old wooden floor as she stepped into the small apartment. It was almost empty, like a place one wouldn't notice.
Outside, the city noises from afar came through the thin windows; a honking car, and the voices of people.
But inside, it was calm, as if it had been set up purposely for safety and not for comfort.
This stranger had chosen it for a reason. It was a quiet and secure hideout, far from anyone who might be watching a man like him.
He moved first, blocking the nearest window. "Stay close," he said quietly but firmly.
Mei Ling swallowed. Hard.
"Do you think they followed us?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though her hands shook slightly.
"No," he said, looking around the room. "But I don't want to take any chances." He touched the wall, checking for locks or anything unusual.
She stepped closer, noticing how strong and protective he looked.
"It smells… strange in here. Leather? Metal?"
"Security measures," he replied without looking at her. "Cameras, strong doors. You'll get used to it after a while."
Mei Ling glanced around. A mini couch lay against the wall, a small metal table in the corner, a few empty shelves.
Nothing seemed dangerous, yet her instincts said otherwise. "I don't know if I'm ready for all this. What if they…" Her voice trailed off.
She knew how dangerous the city could get at night.
"They won't get you," he interrupted sharply, then softened when he saw her flinch. "You're safe, that's all that matters right now. Sit down. I'll check around the apartment to make sure it's safe."
She hesitated, then sat down on the couch. With her fingers, she nervously traced the stitched lines on the couch.
He leaned on the window, looking at the dark street. "No one's there," he said flatly. "Stay alert. I'm checking the doors. Don't move unless I say so."
Mei Ling bit her lip. "I don't even know why I keep running into trouble like this."
"You're not running," he said coldly. "You're only trying to survive."
Mei Ling took a slow breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She wanted to argue, but his sharp, steady gaze made her stop.
Minutes passed in silence, broken only by the traffic of cars, and the occasional creak of the floor. Mei Ling watched him; his sharp jaw, and restless eyes.
"You always… watch like that?" she asked quietly.
"Always," he said simply, without looking at her. "It keeps people alive."
She nodded to herself. "I guess I need to learn that then."
A shadow moved outside one of the windows.
Her heart jumped.
He turned sharply toward it, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the street. He remained calm, and showed nothing, but the tension around him made her heart race.
"Did you see that?" Mei Ling whispered.
"Yes," he said flatly. "Stay down.
The shadow stopped under a dim streetlight. Mei Ling's hands shook. "Is it… them?"
"Maybe," he said without hesitation. "Maybe not. Stay still."
He moved, one hand on the leather couch for support, the other near the object on his belt. The metallic smell in the room seemed stronger, mixing with the tense air.
She thought,
It will take everything in me to not collapse at this point.
Mei Ling swallowed. Again, hard.
"I… I don't know if I can do this."
"Yes, you can," he said, meeting her eyes briefly, cold. "Do what I say. Not because I care, but because it's necessary."
Just then, the shadow disappeared. The apartment felt heavy, as if they were being watched.
He straightened and looked around. "Enough for now. Stay alert."
Mei Ling sank into the couch and watched him. She realized being careful was about control, not comfort.
"I don't know your plan," she said quietly.
"Plans don't matter, only actions do. If something happens, we'll handle it." He replied sharply.
She looked around again, everything felt like a threat.
"And if I panic?" she asked, curious.
"You won't," he said coldly. "Just follow instructions."
For the first time, Mei Ling felt a little calm. It wasn't safe, but it was enough.
The city noises continued outside. But inside, the apartment was tense and silent. She closed her eyes briefly. She could survive this. She would.
Just a few hours ago, she had been a criminal journalist, returning from work after long nights of research. Now, she was trapped in a world she barely understood, under the watch of a man who could decide whether she lived or died.