Chapter 48
Clay
We break through.
Barely.
But it’s enough.
“Go!” Lucas shouts.
The kids run.
As fast as they can, with their injuries.
Toward the exit.
I cover them, firing back as hostiles push forward again.
Too many.
But we’re close.
So close.
We hit the outer door—
Burst through—
Cold air slams into us.
Freedom.
Almost.
Gunfire erupts from behind.
I turn, firing—
Then something hits me.
Hard.
My vest absorbs most of it—
But the impact knocks me back a step.
“Clay!” Lucas shouts.
“I’m good!” I snap.
Lie.
Doesn’t matter.
“Move!”
The exfil vehicle comes into view—
Engine running.
Doors open.
“Get them in!” I shout.
Lucas gets the kids moving.
One by one.
Fast.
Efficient.
Miles covers the rear.
I fire until my mag runs dry—
Then switch—
Then fire again.
Hostiles spill out of the building.
Too many.
But we don’t need to hold them.
We just need seconds.
“Go!” Lucas yells.
Last kid climbs in.
Miles jumps in after them.
I take one last shot—
Then turn and run.
Lucas grabs my arm, hauling me the last few feet.
We dive into the vehicle—
Doors slam—
And we’re moving.
Fast.
Out.
Alive.
Russ
She’s stronger now.
I can see it.
Hear it.
Feel it in the way her hand holds onto mine.
Not weak anymore.
Not slipping.
Present.
Here.
“You scared me,” I say quietly.
The words come out before I can stop them.
She studies me.
Really studies me.
“I know,” she whispers.
No apology.
No excuses.
Just truth.
That’s her.
Always.
I shake my head slightly.
“Don’t do that again.”
A faint smile touches her lips.
“I’ll try.”
Not a promise.
I huff out a breath that’s almost a laugh.
“Yeah. I figured.”
Silence settles again.
But it’s different now.
Full.
Not empty.
Her fingers shift slightly in mine.
“Russ.”
“Yeah?”
She hesitates.
Just for a second.
Then—
“Thank you.”
That stops me.
Because it’s not just for the rescue.
It’s everything.
I tighten my grip on her hand.
“You don’t thank me for that.”
“I do.”
“You don’t.”
A faint spark of stubbornness flickers in her eyes.
There she is.
“I’m doing it anyway.”
I shake my head.
But I don’t argue.
Because she’s here.
Alive.
Talking to me.
That’s all that matters.
I lean back slightly in the chair.
Still holding her hand.
Still not letting go.
“You’re not getting rid of me,” I tell her.
She doesn’t even hesitate.
“Good.”