Page 14 of Tag
But because someone finally gave a damn whether I walked out alive.
“I’m not planning on dying,” I said. “And I’m not planning on letting anyone else die, either.”
He stepped in closer, his voice low. “I know you’re strong. I know you’ve survived more than most people could handle. But this isn’t just your fight anymore.”
He lifted a hand, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“It’s ours.”
The air shifted.
So did something inside me.
I didn’t say anything. Didn’t need to.
Because for once, I wasn’t alone.
We stood like that for one breath… two…
Then his phone buzzed.
He checked the screen. “Gideon’s team is in place.”
I slipped my vest on, tightening the straps.
“You ready?” I asked.
He grabbed his weapon, his eyes locked on mine.
“Born ready.”
13
Tag
Midnight.
We moved like shadows along the fence line—Gideon’s team to the west, Aponi and I circling toward the back entrance hidden by junk piles and old tires.
The air reeked of oil and rot.
I crouched by the rusted door and checked the handle. Unlocked.
They’d gotten cocky.
I looked at Aponi. “We’re in.”
We split inside like we planned—me to the east corridor to disable the trip wires and cut off reinforcements. Aponi would head north to where Kaylie was being held.
Her eyes met mine for one heartbeat before she vanished into the dark.
I swallowed the instinct to follow her.
Trust her training, Tag.
Trust her fire.
I moved fast through the hallway, the stench of mildew and sweat crawling up the walls. There was a guard posted near the breaker box—sloppy stance, one hand on his phone.
