Page 73 of Burn for Me

Logan McGowan’s name popped up with a handful of unread messages.

I clicked through, wondering if he needed another job done for his family, it had been the job I’d just completed before diverting to Laura’s house.

Hey, I’m not sure if anyone’s reached out. Massimo is out for your blood. Something about you stealing his fiancée? He’s issued a reward for you both, dead or alive. I’ve attached the pictures he’s sent out. There are bounty hunters clamouring to be the first to cash in. Look after yourself man. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.

There were attachments in a few separate messages, and I opened each one.

Laura and I in the last little village we stocked up in. Pictures of us through a shop window, my scarred beast-like face next to her sweet face. Who had taken them?

I punched the back of the built in sofa bench, cursing as pain ricocheted up my arm.

Why couldn’t the universe just let me be happy? All I wanted was to start building a life that would please Laura. That would have her being by my side forever.

And now that fucker Massimo intended to at best rip us apart, at worst kill us.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, my anger roiling like the sea beneath me.

Massimo would burn. Him and everything he held dear.

If it was the last thing I did.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Laura

Massimo stood in front of me, his gun held to forehead. My heart beat erratically as I tried to look around for a way out.

‘You were supposed to die, Laura. Instead you’re shacking up with a freak. You’re disgusting.’

‘But he loves me…’ I protested.

Sweat dripped down my face. Why was it so hot?

The flames. I hadn’t noticed the flames.

‘Massimo, we need to get out of here,’ I coughed.

The gun clicked, followed by his hollow laugh as I squealed.

‘Don’t worry, we’ll find which chamber has the bullet soon. This time I won’t miss.’

Couldn’t he feel the heat? My eyes stung. I needed to get out.

‘Laura?’ Phoenix’s voice was soft, somewhere deep in the burning edges of the room.

‘Help me!’ I cried out. Massimo turned and let off a handful of shots into the flame.

‘No! Stop it.’ I lunged for his gun, but I was too slow. I watched as a bullet tore from the barrel, heading straight for my face. There was nothing I could do, I was frozen to the spot awaiting the pain.

Hands wrestled my shoulders.

‘Laura… Wake up.’ Phoenix’s voice was more insistent this time. Closer.

Sheets tangled around me as I roused, the dream dissipating. Phoenix came into hazy focus, my eyes groggy.

‘Phoenix?’ I mumbled.

Pulling me up to sitting, he helped to untangle me from the sheet. I cooled down almost instantly, a fresh breeze coming through the open door and wrapping around me.

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