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“A bulletproof vest. That’s a great idea.” When he retrieves another one and hands it to Ingrid in the passenger seat, I strain my eyes to see where his is.
When it’s clear Pavel only packed two, I attempt to unfasten the strap, but Saint stops me. “Where is yours?” I ask in vain.
“I don’t need one.”
I can’t help my eye roll. “This is completely sexist. Why do the women get one and the men don’t?”
Pavel beats his chest with a hollowed echo, proving me wrong. Who knew a bulletproof vest was his go-to like a sweater would be for most?
“So everyone needs one but you? Is that right? I didn’t realize you were bulletproof.” I can’t keep the bite from my tone because the last time he tried this martyr bullshit, he almost exploded.
This isn’t negotiable.
“I don’t need one because I have this.” When he pulls out what I can only describe as a mini rocket launcher, I almost surrender. Almost.
“That will eventually run out of…” I want to say bullets, but I have no idea what that thing fires. Pavel needs a new hobby. “Ammo,” I settle for. “And what happens then?”
Saint strokes over my trembling lips. “By the time that happens, they’ll all be dead.”
His cockiness should be reassuring, but it only has me further on edge. “We don’t even know what we’re walking into.”
“This will be no different than any other fight I’ve been in. It’ll be okay, a????,” he reassures me, his eyes glowing out here in the darkness. “Besides, you’ve got my back.”
When the heavy metal of two guns are settled within my palms, I realize things are about to get real.
I am armed to the teeth and feel incredibly selfish because I hope there is enough weaponry to go around. Who knew those words would become my life.
When Pavel’s cell vibrates, he quickly conceals it under his hand to read the text message. “Max is ready when we are.” It seems Max is also a gun enthusiast because he has his own supply on hand. I wonder if he came prepared with a bulletproof vest, though.
The thought of Sara going out there scares me. Zoey can handle herself, but I don’t know if Sara can. It was decided that no one would stay behind because it was far too dangerous. Safety in numbers, Pavel said, and Saint agreed.
But now that we’re out here in the darkness, about to face the unknown, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. I would be a hypocrite to ask Sara to stay, though.
“You don’t have to do this,” Saint says, placing a gun into the waistband of his black jeans. I think, by some miracle, he’s hoping I change my mind. “You can stay here and just shoot anything that moves.”
I love that he’s trying to protect me even when he knows what my answer will be. “Let’s go.”
Ingrid’s thick jacket hides her bulletproof vest, as will mine when I slip it on. With shaky fingers, I fasten each button, fumbling with the last one. Saint’s fingers envelop mine, steadying me. He secures the button for me. His breath brushes the hair from my cheeks. “You follow my command. Don’t be a hero. Stay behind me at all times.”
I’d salute if this wasn’t scary as all hell.
“No matter what happens, you stay with me, all right?”
Pressing my palm to his cheek, I run my fingers through his beard. “I’ll never leave you,” and I mean that in every possible way there is.
I know things are about to get messy, but I am here for the thick of it.
Gripping the back of my head, he presses his forehead to mine. After inhaling heavily, he kisses me with nothing but fierce need. Our tongues contest, fighting for domination, but this kiss is about taking and giving. We both need to survive this.
I thread my fingers through his long hair, wanting nothing more than to climb him and forget the troubles we face. But the fire soon simmers as it’s time. Our kisses grow languid, but I promise myself this is just a sample of what my future holds once the night is done.
“Once we’re outside, no talking. Mask any noise as best you can.”
Saint rubs his nose against mine, holding my nape tightly. The quiver to his touch is only because he fears for my safety, not his. I know Saint, and all he’ll worry about is keeping me safe.
With a deep sigh, he releases me. But when those bright chartreuse orbs spark to life, a surge of adrenaline overcomes me. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
Pavel nods, and with the slowest and quietest of movements, he opens the driver’s door. Saint ensures I’m armed before he does the same. Ingrid follows. Once Pavel is outside, Saint passes him the duffle that holds the explosives.
