Page 17 of Jump or Fall
She did, and once it finished scanning, he removed the device and handed it to her.
“Plug this into the back of the screens,” he said. “When the access request pops up, press your thumb to the sensor until it unlocks. After that, you’ll be able to modify the inventory numbers.”
“What can’t you do?” she asked, amazed.
He grimaced. “I can’t fix that suit or make it fit. Taking it apart completely fucked it up. I had to ambush a woman in her own home because I can’t even be seen in her part of the city.” He paused. “If you want to back out, the offer still stands.”
The Silvers needed to fall. And even if the thought of getting caught still terrified her, she couldn’t sit idle anymore.
“I still want to be involved.”
“Okay.” He checked the time. “I should take you home.”
Her gaze lingered on him, tracing the scar that had altered his life forever. Even with it, he was undeniably attractive—mid-thirties, square jaw, and nice cheekbones. If anything the scar made him more captivating. When he did smile, it was uneven but oddly endearing.
She wanted to see it again.
His rich brown hair had curled more in the humidity, giving him a slightly wild appearance. It looked soft. What would it feel like between her fingers?
Mara snapped out of the strange daze. She didn’t want to go home. Not yet, at least.
Exhaustion tugged at her, but she had to know. “Are we near the water?”
He looked up, seeming almost hesitant. “Do you want to see it?”
Mara’s heart jumped. She had only seen the ocean from one of the city’s taller buildings. There was a port, but it was restricted to the workers and those overseeing the auto-fishers.
He must have seen the excitement on her face, because he stood and directed her through one of the doors.
The next room was larger, its walls still the same rough stone. Against the right wall were two single beds with thick red blankets, and between them hung a large map of the tunnel network. Another door stood at the far end, and she followed Gordon toward it.
The sound of crashing waves grew louder with each step. When he opened the door, a cool, salty breeze swept over them.
“We can’t use a light—we could be seen coming out,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “You can hold my sleeve if you want, or feel along the wall. There aren’t any drop-offs or anything like that.”
She lightly clutched his sleeve, and they stepped into the darkness. Every sound echoed off the stone as they moved cautiously forward. Her wide eyes strained to absorb any sliver of light, but there was nothing. There was only the waves and the ballistic nylon fabric of his coat between her fingers.
Finally, a faint glow appeared up ahead. It was moonlight filtering through the tunnel’s exit.
Reaching the opening, she took in the vastness before her—the churning sea below, dark waves crashing against jagged rocks. Overhead, the crescent moon loomed, its silvery glow illuminating billowing cloudsacross the sky. To the right, the path stretched beyond where she could see.
The water was so beautiful—so powerful. From a rooftop far away, it wasn’t nearly as stunning. She peered across, trying to see if there was anything on the other side. If there was, it was too far. What kind of places were over there? Was there anything?
She turned to Gordon and caught a faint grin. The noise around them was deafening, but she didn’t want to risk being heard. Instead, she mouthed a silentthank you.
He gave a small nod in response.
On the way back through the tunnel, she reached for his sleeve but accidentally caught his hand. Instinct urged her to pull away, but the feel of his rough palm against hers stirred something deep.
No metal at the tips of his fingers, only smooth skin.
Gordon hadn’t let go either. Maybe he felt the same inner quiet from her touch.
She shook her head.No. He must know it was a mistake. He’s just being nice.
Still, she let herself hold on a little longer, savoring the secret touch, carving it into memory.
Something that was hers.
