Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 646

The atmosphere was tense, and the man's forehead was already dotted with sweat.

Perhaps because I had never experienced such a scene before, I didn't feel overwhelmingly scared. I had always believed in a peaceful world, but reality didn't allow me to remain that naive.

Soldiers could carry guns, but so could the rich and powerful…

Seeing me still in a daze, the man let out a low growl. "Take it!"

"That's impossible!" I snapped back to reality, too scared to take the gun. "I don't know how to use it! If you hold onto it, we might still have a chance to escape. If I take it, it's as good as suicide!"

"I have another one!" The man didn't waste words. Apologizing briefly, he grabbed my hands firmly. "Let me teach you!

"Both hands here. Always use both hands. Then, use your index finger to pull the trigger!"

Holding the cold, unfamiliar metal in my hands felt incredibly heavy.

"No! If the worst comes to worst, I'll just face them. They wouldn't dare kill me, would they? I don't believe it! You're here to protect me, not to take risks for me. We're not at that point yet!"

I clung to the faint hope that they wouldn't shoot on sight—that they wouldn't fire at someone just for showing themselves.

"Ms. Jones, letting you go out there would be the real risk! My mission is to ensure your safety. You escaping is the only way I won't be held back. There is no time for hesitation!"

Neal had been investigating the secrets of this place for a while. The people here were inhumane, but he couldn't fully explain their ruthlessness to Ariana. His priority was to get her out safely.

I wanted to argue further, but the man interrupted me firmly. "Listen! I'll head back to the second floor while you go to the first floor. Wait for my whistle. We'll both fire at the locks on the fire escape doors simultaneously.

"I'll draw their attention upstairs, and you'll take the opportunity to escape from downstairs. Captain Steele already knows you're here, and I'm sure reinforcements are coming!"

The cold weight of the gun in my hand grew heavier. The man, light on his feet, vaulted over the stair railing swiftly, disappearing from my sight.

I reached the fire escape door on the first floor, aiming the gun at the lock. My palms were drenched in cold sweat.