# Chloe Pierce's POV
I pace the safe house apartment like a caged animal, my bare feet silent on the cold hardwood floor. The clock on the wall shows 3:47 AM, and sleep is impossible. Every time I close my eyes, I see those black combat boots inches from my face.
My phone buzzes. Aiden's name lights up the screen.
"Chloe? Are you alright?"
His voice sends warmth flooding through my chest. "I can't sleep. When are you coming back?"
"I'm handling some business first. I'll be there in the morning."
"What kind of business requires handling at four in the morning?" The words slip out before I can stop them.
Silence stretches between us. I hear wind through the phone, like he's outside somewhere.
"The kind that can't wait," he says finally. "I need you to trust me."
"I do trust you." My voice cracks. "It's just... tonight changed everything. Those men, Jasper, all of it. I thought I knew who you were, but I don't, do I?"
Another pause. "No. You don't."
