I adjusted immediately, shifting my weight, angling my body just enough to avoid direct collision.
My shoulder brushed the air where the edge had been, close enough to register.
I corrected smoothly, continuing forward as if nothing had happened.
Because that was how I had learned to survive moments like this.
Recover. Continue. Never linger.
I found the door seconds later, fingers brushing against the cool surface before pulling it open.
The air outside felt different instantly, filled with distant sounds of the office floor.
I stepped out.
And then—
That feeling came.
Not sound. Not touch. Not anything I could directly explain. Just that instinctive, crawling awareness when something dangerous has locked onto you.
My steps slowed, almost against my will.
I knew instantly it wasn’t Ramiro.
It wasn’t Rafael either.
This presence was different—Vile.
Chapter 4
LORETTA
Itilted my head slightly, focusing—not with sight, but with everything else. The faint shift of air behind me. The almost-there rhythm of breath held too carefully.
The absence of casual movement.
Whoever it was... they knew how to stay hidden.
And they wanted to remain that way.
Fine.
I wouldn’t chase shadows.
