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My lungs seize.

Not again.

Please, not again.

"Don't fucking move!"

The man in front raises his gun.

Vex plants himself between us.

"You're making a big fucking mistake."

"Hands where I can see them."

Vex doesn't move.

I grip the back of his shirt.

Through the broken doorway, I see another masked man standing outside.

We're surrounded.

There is nowhere to run.

One of the intruders takes a step toward us.

Vex shifts with him, blocking his path to me.

"Stay behind me, Kierra."

His voice is steady.

Mine wouldn't be, even if I could find it.

The man looks past Vex.

"There she is."

My stomach turns.

They're here for me.

"Who the fuck sent you?" Vex demands.

"Doesn't matter."

"You're in my fucking house. It matters."

The man laughs.

"How'd you find this place?" Vex asks.

The man tilts his head.

"Easy."

He takes another step, his gun never wavering.