Chapter 564

"This is too risky. My only priority is keeping you out of harm's way." Vincent's grip on Hannah's waist tightened, his heart aching with the urge to spirit her away from danger immediately.

"Trust me. I've come through unscathed, and I'm capable of ensuring my own safety." Hannah's eyes held steady, radiating determination. "I really want to rescue those women locked up in the second dock.Think of it as helping me, okay?"

Vincent gazed at Hannah, fully aware that her resolve was unshakable. His chest tightened with worry,but he ultimately chose to place his faith in her. Leaning close, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Stay safe,please."

"Got it!" Hannah gave a resolute nod. In an instant,she gently pushed Vincent back. "Act like you're taking me hostage."

Vincent caught on immediately. His face hardened into a menacing scowl as he yanked her back into his embrace with a rough tug. With his arm clamped around her throat and a pistol pressed to her temple,he bellowed at Brixton, "Stay back, or she's done for!"

Brixton's expression darkened, his voice low and tense."Release her, and I'll let you walk away."

"She stays with us until we're on the boat." Vincent,keeping Hannah in his grip, inched toward the waiting motorboat, step by cautious step.

His crew covered their retreat, eyes sharp and weapons ready.

Brixton's men twitched, eager to act, but Brixton halted them with a raised hand.

When backing away, Vincent leaned in, his voice a hushed whisper in Hannah's ear. "I'm fighting every instinct to turn back, rally my team, and take those scum out right now so I can drag you to safety."

His squad was well-armed, more than capable of launching a fierce counterattack.Hannah whispered softly, "I know. I can feel how desperately you want to pull me out of this."

She paused and then continued, "When you showed up, it hit me-I'm not in this alone anymore. Knowing you're here, backing me up, washed away the fear and dread that has been choking me. I figure I won't have nightmares tonight, because you've got my back."

Her words soothed the raw edge of Vincent's anxiety, if only slightly.

"That's why," Hannah added, her voice steady and firm, "I need to keep my head clear, and you need to do the same even more. Ever since I learned that the women were held captives on the second dock,saving them has consumed my thoughts. With you here, I'm more confident and determined. I'm not just getting out of here-I'm bringing them all with me.But we need a solid plan. Rushing in recklessly could put them in greater danger."Vincent knew she was right. A head-on attack might secure Hannah's safety, but those women trapped in cages could end up as collateral damage in the chaos.

"Alright," Vincent finally said, his voice low and steady, regaining its usual calm resolve. "I'm with you. Wait for my signal. Keep yourself safe."

"You too."

With a gentle nudge, Vincent pushed Hannah toward the cruise ship's deck before leaping onto the motorboat. The engine roared to life, and the vessel sped off across the water.

Hannah stumbled onto the deck, caught by Brixton's quick hands.

Brixton's eyes scanned her carefully. "Are you hurt?"Hannah shook her head, avoiding his gaze. "I'm fine."His eyes narrowed as he noticed the faint redness around her eyes. "Why do you look like you've been crying?"He reached out, intending to touch the corner of her eye.

Hannah turned away, dodging his touch, her eyes lowered to mask her true feelings. "I was terrified."

It was a plausible excuse.

Brixton studied her, his gaze intense. After a long pause, he asked, "Did that man kiss you?"

Hannah's pulse quickened. He'd seen it! She met his eyes, her face flashing with a deliberate mix of anger and revulsion from being offended. She scrubbed at her lips with the back of her hand, as if erasing something vile. "He forced himself on me!"

Her voice trembled with a calculated blend of fear and relief. "Thank God you acted fast, or who knows what could've happened... I need to get the beef to the kitchen below before it spoils."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried toward the stairs leading to the lower deck.

Brixton stood rooted in place, watching her

disappear, his face an unreadable mask. After a long moment, he turned to Scorpio, his voice cold as ice."Find Kayce. I need to speak with him."

"Right away, Mr. Ward!" Scorpio, sensing the storm in Brixton's mood, moved quickly to obey.