Chapter Thirty-Eight
Malachi's POV
After finalizing the arrangements with the team, I left headquarters with Maurice while Dante and Mavis stayed behind to coordinate further details with Violet and Rose.
The plan was in motion. Sophie would be extracted within forty-eight hours. Her father would be dealt with shortly after. Everything was moving according to schedule.
So why did I still feel like I was losing control?
Because of her. Because Alicia had burrowed so deep under my skin that I couldn't think straight anymore. Couldn't plan without factoring her into every equation. Couldn't breathe without wondering if she was okay.
I'd become exactly what I swore I'd never be again—vulnerable.
The drive back to the hotel should have been routine. Should have given me time to think. To strategize. To prepare for the conversation I'd inevitably need to have with Alicia about what I'd discovered.
