Page 86 of Tabitha

“And his car,” I murmur, then my eyes widen, and I shoot her a toothy grin. “You want me to bomb his car?”

“Yes,” Tabitha answers distractedly, digging around in a box, then pulls out a case full of gear and hands each of us earpieces. “These will allow us to communicate and also track our positions. The added bonus is the tech will still function, even when you block their communications.”

Pierce follows Tabitha’s example, quickly sorting through the different boxes. He rips off the tape on one of them, then unpacks at least a dozen guns.

We’re each grabbing a couple when Bast speaks. “What will you be doing while he keeps overwatch?”

“I left the bunker unlocked. Gage will take shelter in it, where no one can get at him, while you and Pierce act as bait.” She doesn’t look up as she stashes half a dozen blades on her person, not even phased at ordering the men into danger. “You’ll draw out the troops, lead them toward the traps. When you’re clear, Gage will take them out.”

“What about you?” Bast doesn’t move, doesn’t even blink, his voice low and rough as he stares down at Tabitha.

Heart pounding with unease, I set aside the tablet, concern tightening my chest.

“My job. I’m going to use the distraction to kill them and get River back.” Then she is gone, striding out the door, leaving us gaping after her retreating form.

I should be appalled, killing people is one of the main reasons why we left the military in the first place, but I can’t find it in me to be angry.

Not at her.

Though I would give anything to take that burden from her, she sees the world differently. To her, it isn’t a burden but a duty. Something she can do to keep the world safe that no one else can.

I felt that way when I first joined the service, but I’ve become tarnished and jaded. I don’t want that for Tabitha. She makes me want to believe again, and I’m determined to do whatever it takes to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to her.

Bast curses, then hurries after our girl. It takes all my willpower to stop myself from following. I blow out a heavy breath before turning toward Pierce. “She’ll be okay?”

Pierce tucks a gun into his pants at the small of his back, his eyes flicking up to meet my gaze. “She’s the best at what she does. She’s ruthless, relentless in doing whatever it takes to complete her mission.”

My spine stiffens, not at what he said, but what he didn’t, and I clench my fists to keep from chasing after her. “But she’ll be okay?” I insist.

Pierce places his hands on his hips, his blue eyes fierce as he looks at me. “We’ll make sure of it.”

It’s a promise, and I nod.

Between the three of us, we will keep her alive, no matter what happens.

* * *

TABITHA

Bast follows close on my heels as I exit the house, and I hunch my shoulders, swearing I can feel his judgmental gaze like daggers in my back.

For the first time since joining the Belladonnas, I’m conflicted about my mission. Oh, I don’t care about the killing—the fuckers deserve to die—but keeping the men safe is like a crushing weight on my shoulders. I grab the railing, my knuckles turning white as the sun sinks behind the majestic mountaintops. “I’m doing what has to be done. It will keep people safe.”

“I know. Just be careful.” Bast stops at my back, his arms settling on either side of me, his chin coming to rest on my shoulder as he breathes me in. “If anyone can bring River back to us, it’s you.”

I lean into him, almost weightless by his acceptance. I tip my head to the side, basking in his nearness. Something inside me settles, and the unconscious worry that they would leave me finally vanishes.

They accept me for who I am.

What I am.

An assassin.

I kiss his cheek, taking a long draw of his spicy, teakwood scent, before reluctantly pulling away. I pat his chest, the beat of his heart a comforting thump under my palm. “Keep them safe for me. No unnecessary risks. I expect you and the others to be here at sunrise.”

It’s the closest I’ve come to admitting feelings.

The closest I’ve ever come to pleading.

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