Page 20 of Burn for Me

“You're right. I'm not God; I'm death walking in the flesh. So tell me, will I be putting a red x on someone's chest over there? Are you going to be pulling the bodies I bury down to hell?” I bite out, tightening my grip, but she pulls from my grasp and takes off through the door, leaving only her scent to mingle in the space.

I feel like I'm suffocating below dirt and can't claw my way out fast enough.

Doesn’t she realize what I am? What I'm capable of?

I stand, and the chair topples over from the force.

I’m trying my hardest here, but I’m about ten seconds from saying fuck my pathetic attempt at having morals and ruining her like I’ve always wanted to. I push my hand through my hair, pulling the strands with an aggravated growl.If she's already destroyed, what use is she to whatever she’s running from? Sounds like a bloody good plan to me.

“Hey, uh—” My head snaps towards the quiet voice. Moe stands frozen in the doorway, flicking his gaze between the chair and my hand, which I let drop to my side as I narrow my eyes at him.

It's not his fault. It’s not his fault.

Those words play through my mind like a mantra, attempting to calm my temper before I unleash it on the wrong person.

“Just thought I’d… well—let you know we leave tomorrow.”

I wave my hand dismissively. I don’t care. I’m losing my mind in the one place where I should be able to maintain my composure, and I don’t think being trapped in a fucking metal bin will help matters much.

“Speak up. You’re a leader. Your tone should command attention.” I huff.

“Yes, sir. There's officially no more Depth or Bay. We’re now Seaborn. Do well to inform the others.” Moe’s voice comes out stronger, and I mentally curse myself. He’s doing his best to be seen as an adult. Today, he succeeded; when I saw his hands on her, I didn’t question his intentions for a second. I didn't see the little boy who used to run through the halls to hide from his brother; I saw a man.

A threat.

I nod, trying to absorb the information, but I keep my focus away from him because, honestly, I feel like I'm being thrown into the fire, and all I can think about is the pain.

“Did Caspian find a way for me to get a signal while we’re on the boat?”

I catch Moe grinning out of the corner of my eye.

“I set up a ship roaming network like you showed me,” he says proudly.

“Thanks,” I reply, turning my back to him.

Now, I have a few days to figure out what awaits her. If I can get a lead, then–

“Come with me to dinner? A good meal before we leave might help you out a bit.”

I furrow my brows and glance at him before rolling my eyes. He’s been so obsessed with that fucking shop up the street ever since I took him there a few years ago. I guess getting out ofthis small room might help ease my mind. I’m sure my superiors are prepared for their problem, but for once in my life, I’m not prepared for mine.

I pick up the chair and slide it into place as he mutters, “Just don’t throw a damn temper tantrum and send the plates flying. I don’t want to get kicked out.”

Eight

8-26-2024

I don’t want to go home.

-Jasmine

This is it.I’m going to America.

I smooth my bun, ensuring it’s neat and free of flyaways. The sweet sound of the ship's whistle drifts through the air as I rush across the deck, heading for what I hope are the living quarters. Sharkie mentioned something about them being on the first level last night, but I’ve been unable to focus.

I should be concentrating on the mission; I should be preparing for every worst-case scenario. I shouldn’t read intoSam’s sudden changes in behavior as though they are the latest secrets from leaked private databases. Yet, here I am—a jumbled, confused, irritated, lost mess.

Peeking around the corner, I make sure the narrow metal corridor is clear before hurrying through. I’ll be trapped in this vessel for seven days, and there’s no logical way to avoid Sam. I hate it, but it’s only because I can’t understand what lies beneath his hard, cold exterior.

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