Page 27 of The Mountains Edge

"It won't."

They move back out, discussing strategy. I return to wrapping pieces, working fast.

The smoke's thicker now. Sweat soaks my shirt as I load things into my truck. Just one more trip.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

I freeze, arms full of carved wood. Marcus fills the doorway, fury and fear warring in his eyes.

"Saving your stories."

He moves like lightning, backing me against the workbench.

"I told you to stay away."

"Since when do I follow orders?"

His hands fist in my shirt. He kisses me hard, tasting like smoke and adrenaline. I melt into him, dropping the carvings on the bench.

"Damn it, Daisy." He breaks away, breathing heavy. "You could get hurt."

"So could you."

His laugh is rusty. "I'm trained for this."

"And I'm trained to be a pain in your ass." I push at his chest. "Now help me save your work."

He kisses me again, shorter this time but no less intense. "Stay behind the fire line."

"Yes sir." All innocence.

A shout from outside breaks the moment. The wind's shifting.

We work fast, loading the most important pieces. His hands brush mine with each pass, sending electricity through my skin.

"That's everything irreplaceable," he says finally.

I grab his arm. "Your grandfather's photos?"

"Already safe." He cups my face. "Like you should be."

"I go where you go."

His response is lost as Jake runs up. "The fire jumped the break!"

Marcus snaps into commander mode. "Get those hoses on the roof. Daisy—"

"Is already leaving." I steal one more kiss. "Be careful."

"You too."

I watch him stride away, barking orders. The fire paints him in orange light, all power and command presence.

I head down the mountain, precious cargo safe in my truck. The dogs whine from the backseat.

"He'll be fine," I tell them. "He's too stubborn to die."

The Trading Post is organized chaos when I arrive. Evacuees fill the space while firefighters coordinate resources.

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