Page 50 of Burn for Me

I know I’ve perfected my aim, but it doesn’t stop me from watching as one body drops and the other tumbles back, freefalling until it lands on the bush at my feet.

Eighteen

9-1-2024

Nothing will protect her from my demons—me.

-Sam

Fuckin–

As I roll off the brush, I take a deep breath and quickly check Jasmine's condition to ensure she isn’t injured. Once I’m satisfied that she looks disheveled but unharmed, I stand with a grunt, pushing on her shoulder to make her spin around andrun, just as she should have done in the first place. She may be okay now, but she won't be once I get my bloody hands on her.

Not only did the little devil take the life that was mine to steal, but this makes twice on this damn mission that she could've died.

“Status update,”Caspian demands, his voice overpowering the yelling and barking echoing off the trees. Growling, I swipe away the branches and leaves that whip back as I trail hard on Jasmine's heels.

“W—”Moe cuts himself off, drawing a deep breath before continuing,“What's happening?”

“Get in the car!” Jasmine starts stripping on the spot, tossing all her clothes and equipment into the trunk.

The barking grows louder, and lights beam through the brush, flashing from side to side.Damn dogs.They'll pick up our tire tracks and connect our vehicle to us if they catch our scent. I survey the area, take off my vest, and tuck my pistol into the back of my pants. I slam the trunk shut and round the vehicle, firmly securing the papers in my waistband under my shirt.

“Caspian,” I warn while sliding into the driver's seat. I know he hates causing scenes. That was the old way, and we're supposed to keep a low profile. At this point, though, I see no other option to keep our cover safe. Jasmine is already dressing and scrambling to fix her hair like it was earlier, but the rapid motion of her flailing arms does little to hide the tear tracking down her cheek.

“Do what you have to,”he replies, his voice strained.

I throw open the center console, considering whether to warn Jasmine. With a scoff, I search for the torch. It’s not like she’d listen if I told her to cover her eyes or something anyway. Despite my thoughts, I glance at her again, just in time to see her palm swipe across her cheek.

I don’t like that. It creates an odd sensation in my chest.

"We have the intel. I'll study it when I can find a cover for it and send an update when possible." The tires spin in the dirt, causing me to raise my voice to ensure they can hear me clearly.

“Good.”Caspian and Moe respond in unison. A soft sigh of relief echoes through our comms, but it’s quickly interrupted by Jasmine's screech as a flame flickers to life, illuminating the interior.

“Just got word from our colleagues. The scene was created. Hurry and get to the meeting point.”Sharkie interjects before Jasmine can say anything.

“What were they arguing about?” I grind my teeth, throwing the lighter out the window.

“Our girl got flirty with another man,”Sharkie mutters, ensuring her words remain encrypted.

The wheels gain traction, speeding us away. Jasmine raises her hand to her cheek again but ducks her head down, making it easier for me to pull my attention away before I see the emotions she's wearing on her sleeve.

“Just act angry and get to your room. You two should be safe.”

I nod to myself as Sharkie continues speaking, but I barely listen. I'm too focused on watching the fire ignite and following our trail until we turn onto the main road.

“Try to get out tomorrow so we can discuss—”

As I end the call, I tug on the jacket I wore earlier and glance down at my outfit, silently praying that blood hasn’t stained my clothes. I know I’ll get a lecture for cutting off communication so abruptly, but we don't need any more information right now. Besides, the reprimand I'm about to give Jasmine is something I can handle without Caspian's help.

“What thefuckwere you thinking!?” I yell, and Jasmine slowly turns her head to glare at me. Her eyes are red, and her cheeksmatch the color, creating a stark contrast to the anger on her face.

“What was I thinking? You just burned down half a forest!” she shouts, flailing her arms in the air.Is she seriously fucking concerned about the burned trees right now?

“If your superior gives you—”

“I’msosorry that the only thing you can focus on is me savingYOURlife!” she interrupts me with an aggravated growl.

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