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I knew what had happened.
“Put me down,” I said softly.
As soon as he did, I hurried forward with him at my side.
The soldier was holding his neck when I stepped around Roland and Steve. I was pretty sure his name was Murphy, but I wasn’t positive. I’d chosen not to learn their names for the very reason in front of me.
“I’m sorry this happened,” I said, hunkering down beside him.
“Me too,” he said, wincing. He removed his hand from his bleeding neck to hold his stomach as he looked up at Molev. “I saw you. You were trying to be everywhere at once. This isn’t on you. Shit happens. If it’s okay with you, I’d rather take a bullet and keep my head where it’s at. But not here. Those kids inside are terrified enough. Help me up, and we’ll go somewhere else.”
Molev helped the soldier to his feet and looped an arm around his waist.
Sid kept up with them as they walked away, and I looked at Roland.
“Six more minutes,” I said.
His carefully blank expression shattered, and although he tried to pull it back together, he wasn’t quite successful.
“I’m going to stand over there with my back to the building,” I said.
He nodded and watched me as I walked away. That area between the ankle and calf was really starting to hurt like a bitch. Each step sent a more insistent twang straight to the bone.
“I’m betting it was dentures,” I said when I faced Roland again. “I think I’m going to ask Molev to check.”
Roland slowly shook his head, and I grinned a little.
“I get your MRE tonight if I’m right.”
“Deal,” he said right away.
A shot rang out. Neither of us jumped at the sound.
It took Molev another minute to return with Sid. When he did, he knelt in front of me and lifted my pant leg to inspect the skin. His gaze lingered on the perfect twin crescents bruising my skin.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
“Angry,” I said. “A truck isn’t like having a wall to my back. I should have been looking under and over as well.”
He pulled me into his arms, hugging me close.
“You shouldn’t have had to look at all,” he said roughly.
I wrapped my arms around his waist, uncaring about the drying blood on him.
“What’s the point of keeping me alive if I’m not willing to pitch in and try?” I asked. “It can’t be your sole responsibility. None of this can. We’re a team, remember? You were doing your part, and I was doing mine. Only, I messed up. Don’t turn the blame on this. Be mad at me, and tell me you expect better of me because you believe in me and know Icando better.”
He captured the back of my head as he drew away, holding my gaze. He studied me for a silent moment then pressed his forehead to mine.
“Do better, Andie,” he said. “This life isn’t worth living without you.”
I closed my eyes and nodded.
His lips brushed over my cheek then my forehead. I basked in the sensation, focusing on that rather than the ache in my leg. His hold left the back of my head, and he scooped me into his arms.
“Start clearing the buildings,” he said. “Watch closely for infected. No more mistakes.”
He strode away with me, heading for the showers. I didn’t fight him as he stripped me down and inspected every inch of me. I returned the favor when he shed his clothes and stepped into the spray of water. He washed quickly and held out his hand.
