Page 31 of Provoking Bryan

“There’s a small fleet,” she said, her voice low but urgent. “We can use one of their boats to get out. Then we destroy the others—cripple their physical operations as well.”

Bryan’s chest tightened. “You want to go back into the compound?”

“It’s the only way,” Sara said, meeting his gaze.

“Are you crazy?”

“Probably, but what other choice do we have?”

Bryan nodded grimly.

“I slipped some explosives into your medical bag…” Sara continued.

Bryan shot her a sharp glance.

“It never hurts to have a little C-4 with you,” she explained calmly as if it were the most commonplace thing in the world. “We get in, lay the explosives, and take one of the boats to safety. We take out the dock and their transport in one move.”

Bryan swallowed hard, the riskiness of her plan settling over him. It was insane, but she was right, it was their best shot. And if Sara was willing to do it, so was he.

“Let’s go,” he said, his voice steady. “But we wait for cover of darkness.”

They found a hiding place to wait it out, listening each time their pursuers passed close by and breathing easier when they did. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it seemed the cartel’s men had called off their search.

Bryan crouched low, his focus on the task at hand absolute. The jungle was alive with the sounds of night when they moved from their hiding place.

“This is crazy,” he murmured, glancing up at Sara.

She was watching the compound through a pair of binoculars, her features illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. “I know, but it’s kind of fun, right?”

He shook his head. “Not really. We’re going to have a long talk about your definition of fun,” Bryan said, his tone firm.

Sara lowered the binoculars, her gaze softening as it met his. “I know. I just… This is dangerous. Even for us.”

Bryan reached out, his hand brushing hers briefly. “We’ve made it this far. We’ll make it out.”

Her lips quirked into a faint smile. “You better be right.”

The compound was a hive of activity, guards patrolling the perimeter with flashlights cutting through the darkness. Bryan followed Sara’s lead, his movements silent and deliberate as they slipped through the shadows. His heart pounded in his chest, each step a calculated risk.

They reached the dock, the faint sound of water lapping against the boats blending with the distant hum of conversation. A single guard stood near the closest boat, his rifle slung casually over his shoulder.

“I’ll take him out, quietly,” Bryan whispered, his voice barely audible. “You cover me.”

Sara nodded, her body ready to move as she maneuvered into position.

Bryan crept forward, his breath steady despite the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He approached the guard from behind, his arms wrapping around the man’s neck in a precise sleeper hold. The guard struggled briefly, his movements weakening as Bryan applied steady pressure. Within seconds, the man went limp, and Bryan lowered him gently to the ground.

Sara appeared beside him, gesturing for Bryan to move the body out of sight. He complied, dragging the unconscious man into the shadows before returning to her side.

“Nice work,” Sara murmured, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Bryan raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t think I had it in me?”

“I’ve seen you work under pressure,” she replied, her tone teasing. “But this is a new side of you.”

“Stick around,” Bryan said, his voice low and laced with heat. “You might see more.”

Sara’s smile deepened, but she quickly refocused. “Let’s move.”

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