Blaze (Virtues & Lies 3)

“No, but I think she’s downplaying it.”

“Fuck!” There’s some loud rustling and a couple of low whistles followed by a hollowed thud before he says, “I have to go.”

“You said you didn’t want to miss it.”

Shots break loose, and I recognise the distinct pop of his rifle in time with his sharp exhale.

One…inhale. Two…inhale. Three…inhale.

He’s outnumbered from the closeness of the shots. Even a semi-auto couldn’t shoot so fast and so together.

Everything in me itches to be there with him. To ensure that he makes it back.

Four…inhale. Five.

He’s out.

Fuck.

“I’m not missing it.” That’s it. The call ends.

He’s stranded.

Chapter 19

FLEUR

“Wake up!” Lucian hisses, the sharp edge of his voice jarring me from my first dreamless sleep. “Wake up, Fleur!”

I jump awake at the feel of his hand squeezing mine over the cold weapon in it.

“We’re being followed. Ryan’s circling to back us up, but I need you to be awake and ready to run. Understand?”

“Yes.” I nod manically.

“Good. If you have to run, you find a place to hide and you don’t come out. Here.” He hands me a small black device. “Put that somewhere no one will find it if they search you. Do not lose it no matter what.”

“Okay.”

When he looks away, I search for a place to hide the miniscule device. My bra seems like the best place, but it’s the most obvious.

Always think outside the box. Go with your gut, but never with the easiest option. If it’s easy for you, it’s easy for your enemy.

Casper’s words sound in my head. All the lessons he taught me.

You’re a killer. You control impulse. It doesn’t control you.

Loosening my hair, I brush it back, as tight as I can so that it won’t fall. I roll the device into the lengths, twisting until it pulls at my roots, and then I twist it into a bun. Nobody checks hair. And mine is thick enough that it will hold the device discreetly.

“I’d never think of that for certain.” Lucian side-eyes me. “God, you’re so much like her…”

“I’m not hiding. I know how to protect myself.”

“Please don’t make this difficult.”

“Last time I hid away, I lost Casper. I’m not hiding this time.” I straighten my seat and search the side mirror for any sign that we’re in imminent trouble. “Hiding makes you powerless. I am not powerless, and I will not go down without a fight. My duty is to her.”

“Then keep her safe by doing as you are told,” he begs me with gritted words.