Step aside. Sure," Carter said with a smirk. But after a little field trip, Logan grabbed her arm. Ayana twisted, nearly slipping free, but Bryce seized her backpack strap, yanking her backward. She lost balance for a second, just long enough for Carter to shove her forward.
"Let go," she snapped, struggling against their grip. "Relax," Carter said mockingly. "We're just going to have a conversation." Private, just us and a nice view. No, Ayana said sharply.
I'm not going anywhere with you. But they didn't give her a choice. Logan pushed her from behind while Bryce held her arm, and Carter led the way up the back stairwell of building B. The narrow hallway echoed with the harsh rhythm of their footsteps, the metallic clang of Logan kicking open the rooftop door. The moment they stepped outside, the wind hit them hard.
Ayanna stumbled, catching herself on the railing. Carter grinned. Welcome to the VIP tour. Bryce took out his phone, already recording. Ayanna's chest rose and fell controlled.
Calculated. She wasn't panicking, even though three boys towered over her. Their intentions anything but harmless. Start talking, Carter ordered. Who are you trying to fool with that fake K-9 stuff?
Ayana didn't answer. Carter stepped closer. You think you're better than us? Walking around like you're some trained operative? Ayana stayed silent.
That angered him. Logan lifted the phone for a better angle while Bryce circled around her. Carter leaned in, his voice low and venomous. Say something. Ayana tightened her jaw but still refused to respond.
Carter scoffed. Fine. Let's see how tough you are. He shoved her hard. Ayana hit the rooftop floor, palms scraping against the rough concrete.
The wind carried the boy's laughter across the open sky. Mila's warning voice echoed in her mind. Ignore them. They're not worth it. But ignoring wasn't an option anymore.
Ayana pushed herself up, brushing dust off her uniform. The boys expected tears, fear, maybe a plea for mercy. What they got instead was Ayana standing tall, her eyes colder than the wind whipping across the rooftop. That's enough, she said. Carter stepped forward again.
Or what? Ayana met his stare, unblinking, and then she spoke, each word crisp, steady, almost haunting. You don't know what you're doing. Logan froze. A chill ran down his spine, cutting through the heat of the sun.
Her voice wasn't desperate. It was warning. A warning that felt too real, too calm, too confident. Bryce swallowed hard. Carter, maybe we should.