Page 27 of The Fixer

“Not yet,” Lyndsey said, her voice tight. “Hold on.”

The van swerved sharply, narrowly avoiding a large freight truck so she could lose the pursuing SUV. Lyndsey’s focus seemed razor-sharp as she navigated the winding roads, her commitment as fierce as any operative Reyna had ever seen.

Finally, the pursuing vehicle disappeared from view, and Lyndsey exhaled shakily. “We’re clear.”

Reyna leaned back, catching her breath. “Remind me to never underestimate the doc again.”

Jake didn’t respond, his eyes on Lyndsey. Whatever this was between them was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the danger they’d just escaped—and the connection that seemed to grow stronger with every moment they spent together.

Reyna grinned, her voice breaking the heavy silence. “So, what’s next, boss? A romantic getaway, or do we get back to work?”

Jake’s glare was sharp, but Reyna only laughed. The mission wasn’t over, but for now, they had survived. And Reyna couldn’t help but feel that whatever came next, this unlikely team might just have what it took to win.

LYNDSEY

Lyndsey’s hands were steady on the wheel, her eyes scanning the road ahead as the van sped away from the chaotic city streets. She navigated the turns with precision, taking them down a series of winding back roads that she knew would lose any potential pursuers. While waiting for Jake and Reyna in the van, she had mapped out several escape routes in case something went wrong. The van hummed smoothly under her control, and for the first time in what felt like days, she felt a flicker of triumph.

Reyna, sat in the backseat, chuckled as she wiped a smear of dirt off her cheek. “Not bad, Doc. For a civilian, you’ve got moves.”

Lyndsey shot her a quick grin in the rearview mirror. “I told you I could handle it.”

Jake, who was in the back, said nothing, his sharp eyes fixed on the side mirror, watching for any sign of pursuit. His silence wasn’t unusual, but Lyndsey could feel it each time his gaze flickered over to her every few minutes. It was equal parts assessing and something else—something warmer, softer.

“Jake?” she ventured after a stretch of silence. “You okay?”

“Fine,” he said curtly, his tone giving nothing away.

Reyna leaned forward, her grin widening. “He’s sulking because you saved the day. He’s a big, bad Dom and has trouble when somebody else plays hero—or heroine in your case.”

Jake shot her a glare. “Shut up, Reyna.”

Reyna laughed, leaning back and kicking her feet up on the console. “Don’t worry, big guy. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Lyndsey’s laugh bubbled up, surprising both she and Reyna who joined in with laughter of her own. Lyndsey wasn’t sure if it was the adrenaline or the thrill of having outrun danger, but she felt alive in a way she hadn’t in a long time. Maybe ever.

“I can’t believe we actually pulled that off,” she said, her voice bright with excitement. “That was... insane.”

Jake finally turned to look at her, his expression softening just a fraction. “You did good,” he said quietly.

The words sent a warm flush through her, and she tightened her grip on the wheel to keep her hands from trembling. “Thanks. I mean, I know I wasn’t in the thick of it like you two, but...”

“You weren’t just watching,” Jake interrupted, his tone firm. “You were part of the team. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Reyna grinned. “Don’t let it go to your head, though. You still have to work on your comms timing. You’re a bit chatty under pressure.”

Lyndsey rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. The banter, the camaraderie—it felt good. Like she belonged. So much of her life had been spent in her scholarly and practical research.

As the city lights faded behind them and the dark stretch of forested highway loomed ahead, Lyndsey’s focus returned to the road. She followed the route Jake had mapped out earlier, keeping an eye out for anyone trying to follow their trail back to the cabin.

After what felt like hours, the familiar sight of the secluded cabin came into view. Lyndsey parked the van, her heart still pounding with residual adrenaline. She killed the engine, the sudden silence ringing in her ears.

“We’re here,” she announced, turning to face Jake and Reyna.

Reyna gave her a mock salute. “Well done, Captain. Safe and sound.”

Jake opened his door, his movements deliberate as he stepped out. “Let’s secure the area.”

Lyndsey followed, her boots crunching on the gravel as she joined them outside. The cool night air wrapped around her, but the chill did nothing to dampen her mood. She felt almost giddy, a lightness filling her chest that she hadn’t experienced since the danger began.

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