Page 20 of Breathless Recruiter

Another slap. “Wyatt, get it together.”

Through the cloud of white, I could make out an ominous figure. From the floor, he appeared like a statue, taller than the average human and poised, ready to strike. I balled my fist, ready to save Janet… if I must.

“Are you okay?”

That voice.

“Dustin?”

“Oh,” Janet tipped her head back, arching her back so her breasts stood out. “It’s you.”

I ignored her heaving bosom. “Dustin, you need to get to safety.” I could make out the fire extinguisher in his hands. His eyes were locked on Prowler. I got tingly feelings as he glanced in my direction. With a waggle of the eyebrow, a grin formed.

“Get her to safety, I’ve got Prowler.”

“You can’t?—”

“Don’t worry about me.” Dustin didn’t show an ounce of fear. He stepped around us, putting himself in the way of Prowler. His bravery in the face of danger made me?—

“That better be your phone in your pocket,” Janet mumbled.

“No, it’s my—” Oh, I see what she meant. “We can’t let him face Prowler.” The fear tightening my chest didn’t dissipate, but I couldn’t let him die to save me. Noble? Yes. Dumb? Absolutely.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” Prowler growled.

As I got to my knees, it didn’t appear the villain had any intention of fleeing. Dustin might wear a security guard uniform, but I don’t think he had the training to take down a villain with powers.

“I’m the security guard.”

“You’re not the one I’m after. But,” he laughed, “I’ll throw you in for free.”

Dustin moved closer to Prowler, the fire extinguisher in his right hand hanging by his side. I wasn’t super fast, but I’d still be able to reach Dustin and pull him to safety. If I did that, I’d not only put myself in harm’s way, but I’d give away my alter ego.

“You think you can stop me?”

“We’re going to find out.”

“Are you two going to talk or fight?” Janet’s zeal wasn’t helping.

Prowler threw up his hands, and the blue light wrapped about his arms as he prepared another fiery volley. Dustin didn’twait, charging toward the man with the fire extinguisher, held back, ready to swing.

The lobby lit up, his blue fire drowning out the afternoon sun pouring in from walls of windows. Dustin dove, sliding along the ceramic tiles between Prowler’s legs. Janet cheered before the fire turned toward us. I pulled Janet behind me as I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth. Arms protecting my face, the smell of burning filled my nostrils. By the time I stole a peek, my upper body was all but consumed.

I hadn’t died. “It tickles,” I whispered.

I dropped my arms to see Dustin unloading the fire extinguisher on Prowler. Bursts of light appeared, but no fire. This human had rushed into danger, and in a matter of seconds, crippled a villain. I felt foolish that I feared the bad guy.

“Take him down!” Janet wanted blood. “Show him who’s boss!”

We couldn’t make out anybody in the cloud of white. There was plenty of grunting and a loud metal clang. I expected to see Dustin’s bloodied body hurled across the lobby, but the man knew how to fight.

“Go help him,” Janet said.

“I— I?—”

She reached from behind, pulling the charred remnants of my shirt off. Did she think I wore my suit all day long? Spandex wasn’t comfortable, and it left me incredibly sweaty. “I’m not wearing my suit,” I whispered.

“I know,” she said. “It’s hotter fighting shirtless.”

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