Page 23 of Blazing Hearts

The screen zoomed in on Kara once more as she maneuvered around the fire’s perimeter. Mallory could see the tension in her face, the weight of the responsibility she carried. Her heart broke for her—because Mallory knew that Kara carried that burden alone, and she could guess just how much it cost her.

Mallory closed the news feed and opened her message app. Her hands trembled as she typed a quick message to Kara.Be careful out there. Please.

She hit send before she could second-guess herself. She didn’t know what else to say. The fear in her chest was suffocating, but the admiration for Kara, for the woman she was, ran deep. She was proud of her, proud of the way Kara gave everything she had, no matter the risk. But it terrified Mallory, too. Terrified her because every time Kara went out there, she risked her life. And every time, Mallory would have to be reminded of the danger that lurked in her world, the danger that Mallory would never escape.

The text was sent. Mallory sat back in her chair, her mind reeling, her thoughts a storm of worry and longing. She wanted to be close to Kara, wanted to understand her, to hold her. But the fear of losing her again gnawed at Mallory’s insides, twisting with every thought. Could she ever overcome the fear? Could she ever truly let herself love Kara, knowing how dangerous her world was?

She leaned her head back against the chair, closing her eyes for just a moment, feeling the ache in her chest grow deeper. The flames, the heat, the smoke—they were so far away, but yet a constant presence in Mallory’s mind. And with them, Kara, fighting on the front lines.

And Mallory realized, with a start, that she might never be able to let go of that fear. But at the same time, she couldn’t stop herself from caring. She couldn’t stop herself from wanting more.

10

KARA

Kara sat on the edge of the empty fire truck, her helmet resting at her side, the smell of smoke still thick in the evening air. The fire had been contained after hours of grueling work, and her team was in the process of wrapping up. But Kara couldn’t quite shake the adrenaline buzzing beneath her skin. The fire had been ferocious, and there had been moments when she wasn’t sure how things would play out. Yet, they had made it through. They had saved homes, protected lives, and brought the blaze to a halt. It was, as always, a victory, but that didn’t mean it had been easy.

She reached for her phone, knowing Mallory had likely been watching the news coverage. Her pulse quickened slightly at the thought of her, as it always did. Kara had seen Mallory’s message on her phone earlier, causing that familiar ache to stir in her chest. It was impossible not to notice the pull between them. But the complexity of it—Mallory’s hesitancy, her fears—made things harder than they should be. Kara had never been one to shy away from hard things, but this felt different.

Kara unlocked her phone and quickly typed a simple message:I guess you saw the news?

She wasn’t sure what she expected. Maybe a casual response, maybe something more. She didn’t know. What she did know was that Mallory had been on her mind far too much, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep pretending that she wasn’t drawn to her in ways she couldn’t control.

Kara’s phone buzzed with Mallory’s reply, and she felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. She read the words slowly, letting them sink in.

I saw. You’re incredible, Kara. I was worried.

The words were simple, but they hit her deeper than she expected. She had always known Mallory was special—intelligent, strong, and kind. But it was moments like these that reminded her of how much she wanted to be close to her. To feel that connection, even if it terrified them both.

Kara quickly typed a response, trying to keep the tone light, even though a part of her was already wrapped up in the emotions swirling inside her.

I’m fine, Mallory. You don’t have to worry about me.

She read it over once, then twice, before sending it off. But deep down, Kara knew the words weren’t enough. They never were. Mallory’s worry was rooted in something deeper. Kara could feel it—feel the tension building between them, the unspoken fears that held them back. She wanted to tell Mallory it was okay, that she didn’t have to be afraid. But she wasn’t sure how to say it without pushing Mallory further away.

Mallory: It’s not that I don’t trust you, Kara. It’s just… this life you lead, it’s dangerous. Every time you go out there, I wouldn’t be able to help but wonder if I’m going to lose you. I can’t do that again.

Kara felt a knot form in her stomach as she read Mallory’s message. It wasn’t what she had expected, but it was real. Raw. Mallory was scared. And Kara understood that, even though it stung.

Kara: I don’t need you to protect me, Mallory. I’ve made my choices, and I can handle them. You don’t have to worry about me, and you don’t have to shut me out because of your fears.

The words were sharp, but Kara couldn’t help it. She was frustrated—frustrated by how hard it was for Mallory to understand that Kara had made her peace with the risks. It wasn’t about Mallory protecting her; it was about trusting that Kara knew what she was doing, that she had chosen this life. But she also understood that Mallory’s fears weren’t something she could just push aside. She could feel the hurt in her response, but she couldn’t bring herself to soften the blow. Not yet.

Mallory: I know you can handle it. I just… I don’t know how to stop being scared.

Kara didn’t reply right away. When she finally did respond, her words were softer.

Kara:It’s okay to be scared, Mallory. I just need you to trust me. Trust that I’m here for you, just like I need you to be here for me. We both need to take risks if we want something real.

When Mallory didn’t respond, Kara worried that the conversation had become too heavy, and she’d scared Mallory off. Needing to lighten the situation and buy herself more time with Mallory, she sent a more playful text.

Kara:If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were worried about me getting too hot… but then again, you’re probably into that.”

Kara was thrilled with the near-immediate response:

Mallory:I think you’re the one who likes to play with fire, Kara. Always have, always will.

Much to Kara’s relief, the tension in their conversation began to melt, replaced by something lighter, flirtatious.

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