Page 69 of Silence and Surrender

“Tunnel entrance is through here,” Stryker led us down a narrow corridor. More guards tried to stop us. More fell.

The maintenance tunnel was cramped, dark, and foul. We moved as fast as we could, Isabella’s breathing harsh against my neck.

“Almost there,” I kept telling her. “Almost safe.”

“No such thing,” she whispered. “Not anymore.”

The words cut deeper into my chest than any bullet could have.

“Two vehicles at the exit point,” Cooper reported through comms. “Engine heat signatures show they’ve been there less than an hour.”

“The cleanup crew,” Stryker said grimly. “Here to tie up loose ends.”

“Not this time,” I shifted her weight, freeing one hand for my weapon. “Not ever again.”

Their cleanup crew was well practiced. The best money could buy.

But they weren’t ready for us. Didn’t have rage on their side.

Stryker moved like the special forces operator he was, each shot finding its mark. Cooper employed skills learned in Europe’s shadows, violence made elegant through practice.

And I...I had the training of the past months and Isabella trembling in my arms.

It was enough.

When it was over, we piled into the Hummer. Cooper drove while Stryker covered our retreat.

Isabella didn’t speak as we fled into the night. She just held onto me like I was the only solid thing left in her world.

Maybe I was.

“Medical team’s standing by,” Cooper said from the front seat. “Private facility.”

“No hospitals,” Isabella managed. “Please. Colton. Please. Just keep me safe.”

“No hospitals,” I agreed, though it killed me. Every mark on her demanded justice. Demanded documentation.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered into her hair. “I’m so sorry I didn’t find you sooner.”

She said nothing. Just pressed closer, like she was trying to disappear into me.

“It’s over,” I promised. “You’re safe now.”

She made a sound that might have been a laugh or a sob. “Nothing’s over. Nothing’s safe.”

“I’ve got you.”

“For how long?”

“Forever.” The word felt like a vow. Like a promise written in blood and sealed with my soul. “As long as you’ll have me.”

She was quiet for a long time, her breathing slowly steadying against my chest. Finally, so soft I almost missed it:

“Forever’s a long time to follow the rules, Mr. Moreau.”

“Then I’ll learn to be a rulebreaker.” I pressed my lips to her hair, tasting her blood and fear. “For you, I’ll learn anything.” I held her carefully, mindful of injuries I couldn’t see. Thinking of all the ways I’d failed her.

All the ways I’d make it right.

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