Page 108 of Hunt Me
The irony would be funny if it weren’t so terrifying.
“What are you thinking?” He asks.
“That I’m in love with you.” The words slip out. Unplanned. Unguarded.
His hand stills. “Say that again.”
“I’m in love with you.” I lift my head to meet those intense green eyes. “Which is probably the most dangerous thing I could admit right now.”
His smile is devastating. “Dangerous how?”
“Because tomorrow we’re walking into a federal building.” My throat tightens. “Because Sentinel is still out there, and even though Morrison might be dead, Project Nightshade isn’t.”
“We’ll handle it.”
“You can’t know that.”
“I know I’m not losing you.” His arms tighten around me. “Not to the government. Not to Sentinel. Not to anyone.”
I want to believe him and trust that love and intelligence can protect us from what’s coming.
But I’ve seen what power does, and how easily it crushes people like us.
My parents trusted their precautions too and believed they were untouchable.
Until they weren’t.
“Alexi—”
“Sleep,detka.” He kisses my forehead. “We face tomorrow together. Right now, just sleep.”
I close my eyes and allow his warmth to surround me like a comfort blanket.
But sleep won’t come, not even with dawn approaching.
His breathing evens out. Deep. Steady.
I stay awake, watching the darkness beyond the window, and memorize this moment and the peace that has always eluded me.
Because tomorrow, everything changes.
27
ALEXI
Pale morning light filters through the window as I slowly return to consciousness.
I reach for Iris and find cold sheets.
My eyes snap open.
She’s standing by the window, already fully dressed in tactical black. Her hair is pulled back in a sensible bun, and her face is stripped of last night’s vulnerability.
The woman who confessed her love is gone, and in her place stands the Phantom.
“How long have you been up?” I ask.
She doesn’t turn. “Since four.”
