Silent Shadows | Harry Styles x Male! OC

The Escape

Max's pulse pounded as he threw a duffel bag over his shoulder. They had minutes—maybe less—before Dominic's men stormed the basement.

Lena moved first, leading them through the service corridor toward the exit. "We can't go back the way we came," she whispered. "They'll have locked down the main entrances."

Harry pulled out his gun, checking the ammo. "Then we improvise."

Ava's voice crackled through the earpiece. "You've got two black SUVs pulling up out front. Heavily armed."

Max exhaled sharply. "Damn it."

They turned a corner—then froze.

A guard stood at the end of the hall, rifle in hand.

Harry didn't hesitate.

With a flick of his wrist, he fired a single, silenced shot. The guard dropped without a sound.

Lena raised a brow. "Remind me not to piss you off."

Harry smirked. "Smart girl."

Max ignored them. "Keep moving."

They slipped through another door, emerging into the back of the gallery where crates of artwork were stacked high. The emergency sirens still wailed, masking their movements as they ducked behind the containers.

Ava's voice came again. "I have a car waiting at the docks, but you need to lose them first."

Max's mind raced. "We need a distraction."

Harry glanced at Lena. "Tell me you have something fun in that bag of tricks."

Lena grinned, pulling out a small, palm-sized device. "C4, courtesy of an old friend."

Max shook his head. "No explosions."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Relax. It's just a flash bomb. Loud, bright, no body count."

Harry grinned. "I love this woman."

Lena set the charge near a gas line and hit the timer. "Ten seconds. Move."

They sprinted toward the emergency exit, slipping into the alley just as the explosion rocked the building. A blast of white-hot light illuminated the night, followed by thick smoke and shouts of confusion.

The distraction worked.

They reached the getaway car—a sleek black sedan with tinted windows. Max slid into the driver's seat, Harry and Lena piling in beside him.

Ava's voice came again. "Go. Now."

Max hit the gas.

Tires screeched against the pavement as they tore down the street, weaving through traffic. In the rearview mirror, he spotted Dominic's SUVs giving chase.

Harry pulled out his gun. "They're not letting us go easy."

Max gritted his teeth. "They never do."

Lena reached into her bag. "Let me drive."

Max frowned. "What?"

She smirked. "Trust me."

Reluctantly, Max switched seats mid-speed, sliding into the passenger side. Lena took the wheel, gripping it tight.

Then she floored it.

The car shot forward, cutting through intersections as bullets shattered the back window.

Harry cursed. "We need to lose them—now."

Lena grinned. "Hold on."

She yanked the wheel hard, sending the car drifting into a narrow side street. The SUVs skidded past, missing the turn.

Max exhaled. "That won't hold them for long."

Lena smirked. "Doesn't have to."

Ahead, the docks loomed. Ava was waiting near the water with another car, the engine running.

Max jumped out first, grabbing the stolen duffel bags. Harry and Lena followed, sprinting toward the waiting vehicle.

Ava's voice was sharp. "In. Now."

They didn't need to be told twice.

As soon as the doors shut, Ava peeled away.

Behind them, Dominic's men arrived too late.

They were gone.

For now.