The traffic the city was notorious for had faded.
There was no honking.
No engines.
Just the occasional distant scream.
It was creepy as fuck.
One quick glance at Asia told me she felt the same way.
“On your toes. Move quietly and quickly.”
She nodded, and together, we approached the door.
It wasn’t even locked, but I guess protecting your corporate overlord’s assets fell to the wayside when the shit hit the fan.
Our search revealed the place was empty. Unlocked and abandoned. The kind of shit that could make me believe in luck if I was the superstitious type.
Once I was confident it was safe and Asia made her pit stop, we settled in.
The quiet was comfortable, easy, and I felt something like relaxed when Asia looked at me.
“Thank you, Jackson,” she whispered, uncharacteristically unwilling to meet my eyes.
“Look at me, Asia,” I said.
Her eyes snapped up to lock with mine.
“I already told you, you don’t need to thank me.”
She huffed. “Fine. I won’t anymore.”
Then she smiled.
That smile was more beautiful than the sunrise.
Made my heart pound harder than any of the countless close calls I had in my life.
That smile made me feel raw, exposed, and I knew Asia saw that.
But I didn’t look away. I stayed still, letting Asia see things that scared me more than the monsters.
I finally forced myself to look away.
If I wasn’t careful, this woman would ruin me.
“You should get some sleep,” she said a moment later.
I shook my head. “We’re not staying. This place is too exposed.”
“I know, but you’ve been up all night, and we don’t know when we’ll get the opportunity to slow down again,” she countered.
“Good point,” I said.
I looked at my watch. It wasn’t even seven yet.
“I’m sleeping for forty-five minutes,” I said as I fiddled with my watch.