Page 20 of Bound By Valor

Logan took the driver’s seat, his eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly as we waited for Zarek. I recalled our sparring session. He didn’t seem so bad after a few punches. He even taught me how to block combinations and mix Krav Maga with kickboxing.

“I’m sorry we had to uproot your life like this.” He mumbled suddenly.

I eyed him through the rearview mirror. “It’s fine,I guess. You didn’t have to be rude, though.”

He grimaced. “I was just taken aback. We don’t bring civilians here. I’m sorry, for what it’s worth.”

“Logan, are you secretly the good cop?”

He chuckled. “Maybe. But I guess I can’t mess with my boss’s girl. He’d kick my ass.”

I crossed my arms, a frown etching my features. “I’m not his anything.”

Logan’s smirk was visible in the mirror. “Aren’t you?” His voice held a teasing lilt that I wasn’t in the mood for.

I sighed, desperate to shift the conversation away from Zarek. “Can I call my friends and family? Let them know I’m okay?”

Logan’s eyes met mine, his expression suddenly serious. “I think it’s best to keep off the grid for now. We can pass along a message, but direct contact could put you—and them—at risk.”

“Why?” My voice edged with frustration. “Why can’t I just tell them I’m safe? I think they’d like to hear it from me.”

“It’s complicated,” Logan started, his tone somber. “The squad is being watched. Any communication could lead them straight to you. Think of this as a sort of witness protection.”

I scoffed, the reality of my situation sinking in. “You know I have a job, right? People expecting me back?”

His reply was curt, almost dismissive. “Do you?”

The implication of his words stung, the casual dismissal igniting a spark of anger. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Logan’s expression softened slightly. “Look, I know this is a lot to ask, but we need to play it safefor now. Trust me, it’s for the best.”

Before I could ask him to clarify what he meant, Zarek slid into the car and gave Logan a nod.

“You good?” he asked me.

You good? That’s it? I’m literally in witness protection and he’s asking me if I’m good.

“Peachy,” I replied, the word dripping with sarcasm.

As we drove off, I tried to keep track of our route. But after almost forty minutes, my attention waned, and I surrendered to a nap.

The jarring sound of car doors opening yanked me back to consciousness.

“Hey Leo, wake up,” Logan’s voice called, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Hey, are we there yet?” I mumbled, still half in the realm of sleep.

“Yes, we’ve reached. Get up and get inside now,” Zarek cut in, his voice sharp and commanding.

His urgency allowed no time for a leisurely wake-up, and I found myself marching into what looked like a warehouse, my steps clumsy as I might have even stumbled.

“Can you be a bit gentle, asshole?” I heard Logan chastise Zarek, followed by a loud pat.

The building was a vast warehouse set in an isolated area, devoid of any other structures as far as the eye could see.

Inside, the main area was outfitted with gym equipment, a large table at the center, a modest kitchen to the left, and six doors that I presumed led to individual rooms.

Not long after, the second car rolled in, carrying Amelia, Dylan, and Kabir.

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