Page 78 of Red Dreams

“Keep holding on to me. Donotlet go. I’m taking you to an area Cassie and I scouted earlier where they won’t find you.”

Gasping, I abruptly release Kaden and run for the stairs. “What about Ethan?—”

Kaden hooks my waist, my feet flying off the ground as he slams me against his solid chest. “Donotdisobey me again, Wraithling.”

“I can’t leave him, Kaden. Ethan’s hurt and exposed?—”

“I’ll come back for him.”

“Do you promise?”

I hate how small my voice sounds, but I’mscared, and I’ve made Ethan face enough hazards.

Kaden spins me around until I’m face-to-face with his cold, metal persona. “On my life.”

He pushes me behind him again, locking my arms around his torso and kicking open the door.

The setting horizon explodes with light and sound as we step outside, tracer rounds and muzzle flashes strobing through the darkening sky.

I press into Kaden's broad back, my breaths coming fast and shallow. He moves with fluid grace, his body an instrument of death as he leads us away from the cottage.

Another explosion occurs nearby, and I stumble, but Kaden’s iron hold keeps me upright.

“Almost there,” he says, his voice distorted by the mask. “Hold on to me, Layla.”

As if I’m about to let go.

The stench of smoke and gunpowder assaults my senses. Orange flames lick at the tree line, casting menacing shadows across the lawn.

“Keep your head down,” Kaden orders as he picks up speed, heading toward the old fishing docks.

Bullets zing past us. Kaden returns fire with one hand, his other pressing protectively against mine around his stomach.

Smoke stings my eyes and fills my lungs, but I focus on putting one foot in front of the other, trusting Kaden to get us through this nightmare. His scent envelops me, gunpowder and musk, danger and safety all at once. It shouldn't comfort me the way it does.

We reach the old fishing docks, rotting planks creaking beneath our feet. Kaden pulls me around to face him, his hands gripping my shoulders. Even through the mask, I can feel the seriousness of his expression.

“I need you to get in the water and hide under the dock. Don't come out until I come for you, no matter what you hear. Understand?”

Fear makes it hard to speak, but I nod.

Kaden threads his fingers through my hair, a fleeting caress. “That’s my girl. Now go.”

I slip into the dark, frigid water, gasping as it bites into my skin. Kaden watches me disappear beneath the planks before he turns back to the fight, a phantom in the night.

Treading water, I press myself against the slimy support post, trying to control my chattering teeth. Above me, the battle rages on. The dock shudders with each impact, showering me with debris.

My heart pounds in my ears, nearly drowning out the gunfire and shouts. Every fiber of my being screams to go to Kaden, to help him somehow, but I gave him my word. I have to trust that he knows what he's doing.

Cold seeps into my bones, numbing my limbs, but I barely notice. All I can think about is Kaden. The coppery scent of blood mingles with brine, turning my stomach. Was he hurt? Killed?

I’m distracted when the glow of a searchlight seeps through the gaps in the planks. I peek through one section, spotting a sleek black speedboat slicing through the waves and heading straight for my dock. Its powerful light sweeps the shore, seeking its prey.

As the boat glides closer, I make out the cruel, chiseled features of the men on board. They're dressed in black tactical gear, bristling with weapons. A heavy dread settles in my gut.

Morelli's men have come.

My heart thrashes painfully against my ribs as I think of Kaden out there facing them alone. Ruthless assassin or not, he's outnumbered and outgunned. Cassie's sniper support can only do so much against this sheer firepower.

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