Mikhail
My body reacts before my mind can process what's happening. Instinctively, I lunge toward Maria, shielding her against the SUV. Glass shatters around us, showering the interior with shards as Pavel covers his face.
"Maria, stay down!" I shout, scrambling to move Maria around the SUV and away from the bullets. Despite the outburst of chaos, one thought remains clear in my mind. I will not let anything happen to her. "What are you doing here?"
Maria cries out, her eyes wide with terror as she clings to me, trembling. "Mikhail, you weren't answering your phone. I had to find you."
I try to open the door, but a bullet strikes the metal from behind us. f**k! We're surrounded.
Taking a deep breath, I shield her and assess the situation. The building will offer some cover, but moving
