Page 25 of Bound By Valor

And in that moment, a selfish part of me was relieved—relieved that Zarek wasn’t mine to lose in such a way.

“Squad Six, officially report for interception sequence,” Zarek’s command broke through the heavy air.

“Fuck. Carlton 35543 reporting active, show me go,” Logan responded, his voice firm.

“Rivera 32577 reporting active, show me go,” Zarek added.

“Desmond 39901 reporting active, show me go,” Amelia’s voice was thick but determined.

“Gill 34249 reporting active, show me go,” Kabir followed.

Dylan reemerged, his demeanor hardened, a stark transformation from moments before. “Desmond 39900 reporting active, show me go.”

“Dyl, sit this one out, man. It’s fine,” Logan tried to dissuade him.

“Show. Me. Go.” Dylan’s glare was resolute, directed at both Zarek and Logan. I was slowlycoming to realize that the squad members had a troubling habit of masking their fears and grief.

Zarek then turned to me, his expression grave. “Stay here, stay hidden. Do not go outside unless the safehouse is compromised. The alarm system will be engaged, and if there’s a breach, we will be informed.”

“I’m leaving my Luggie with her,” Logan handed over his gun to me, his nod conveying trust. “She can aim.”

As he began to gear up, Zarek took my hand and led me to his room, closing the door behind us. He pulled out a bulletproof vest from under the bed, tossed it over my head, and began fastening the straps.

“Be very,verycareful. You’ll be by yourself.”

“I can take care of myself,” I asserted, trying to match his intensity.

He cupped my cheeks gently, his touch a stark contrast to our usual interactions. We seemed to have put our animosity on hold for now. Kissing my brows, he pressed his forehead against mine.

“Everything will be fine,” he murmured, his breath warm against my lips.

“Are you saying that for me, or for yourself?” I asked.

“Probably myself.”

A small smile took over my face. “Everything will be fine, Zarek.” I finally echoed.

After one last reassuring gaze, he steered us back to the hall to join the others.

THIRTEEN

Zarek

“We all know our assignments and positions. It’s basic interception and retrieval of goods. Shoot to maim only. Let’s go!” My voice echoed commandingly through the warehouse.

“Yes, boss!” Logan responded with a playful salute.

As we all moved toward the main exit, fully geared in our vests and masks, I couldn’t help but steal a glance back at Leora. There she stood, somehow radiant even in the starkness of a tank top, vest, and shorts. The thought of leaving her alone left a familiar ache in my chest.

Our eyes met, and a jolt of electricity seemed to surge through the space between us.

“Fuck it.” The word slipped from my lips before I even realized I’d spoken. I paced back towards her, yanking down my mask as I closed the distance. Once she was within reach, I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her forcefully toward me, and captured hermouth with mine.

It felt like I finally had the answer to all my questions. Why had I stalked her? Why was I obsessed with her?

This.This is why.

I was melting into her when her lips parted, welcoming me in. Diving into the kiss, my tongue explored hers in an enchanting dance. It was a punishing, consuming kiss that left us both gasping for air, her hands traveled to my neck, pulling me closer. She moaned into the kiss, a sound so profoundly beautiful it shattered all my defenses. At that moment, I was utterly lost, andhell, I didn’t want to be found.

---