No.
Absolutely not.
That wasn’t helpful right now.
Because if Clay found out about this—
A sharp knot twisted low in her chest.
He’d come.
And that thought was far more dangerous than she wanted to admit.
Hannah opened her eyes quickly and pushed the feeling down hard.
She didn’t rely on people.
Hadn’t for a very long time.
People left.
People died.
People disappointed you.
Depending on someone in a situation like this got you hurt.
Still…
Her fingers curled slightly against her palms.
Because deep down, beneath all the logic and discipline and survival instincts—
She knew him.
Knew the way he looked at problems.
Knew the way he carried guilt.
Knew the way he threw himself into danger when he cared.
And Clay cared far more than either of them had been willing to say out loud.
The realization settled heavily into her chest.
“Don’t,” she muttered to herself.
Whether he came or not—
She was getting out of here.
One way or another.
5
Clay
The helicopter blades thunder overhead as I tighten the straps on my vest.
