Page 85 of Burn for Me

A flicker of light emanates from a dilapidated megastructure. It comes from the third or fourth floor, with more light filtering as we look up the building. There's no way the two of us can clear the entire structure on our own, and given how quiet Sam has been, I’m worried I won’t reach him before he kills everyone and passes out from exhaustion. Without saying another word, Jonathan follows closely behind me while Delilah stays at her vehicle, pulling out a sniper rifle and occasionally glaring at how Dove seems to be mocking Rurik.

“Moe. Can you get into anything?” I lower my voice as I lean against the cold concrete wall while Jonathan helps me pull the bag and retrieve a few knives and guns from under the respirators.

“Easy access cameras, and it looks like they have walkies. Dumb asses are on an open channel too.”Moe's voice is clear but strained, sounding like he's being tossed around in a vehicle. I toss aside mundane items like rope and tape, then pull out a walkie similar to what we use at base. Attaching it to my hip, I signal Jonathan to carry the bag as we raise our pistols and head for the front entrance.

“Give me the channel,” I command, clenching my teeth. Tides starts to speak, but Sharkie interrupts.

“Channel three. Give them hell, Jas’. We’ll be there soon.”

Drawing a deep breath, I turn the nob, and Jonathan shines a light over my shoulder.

Hold on, Sam.

Twenty-Eight

9-3-2024

Did they think my wife wouldn’t burn the world down for my sake?

-Sam

I grin as I dart my tongue out to wet the cut on my lip.

“He's a mole.” the man with a whiny voice snaps. I roll my eyes as he crushes my busted earpiece beneath his boot.

“He’s more than that, you dumbass. He’s the target.” the other man, heaving for breath, gripping his crotch, replies sharply,and I huff a breath of air. This group of idiots has been bickering for the last hour, except for the quiet one in the corner.

After pulling the black bag over my head, we drove for about twenty minutes to get to this location. I knocked the man in the blue cashmere sweater down a few flights of steps, but then the others decided it would be best to drag me up another three into this fuckin’ room. It was a bloody hassle fighting my way through one body and shooting another while trying to prevent us from reaching this spot, but at least it was fun while it lasted.

I look around and brush my fingers over my restraints. They’re zip ties. Typically, I could break free from them, but I guess they knew that, considering there’s not just one, but five around my wrists. At least they couldn't get them around my ankles. Ask the sod still hunched over from where I kicked him in the dick what happened when they tried.

The room is worn, with fading paint and luxurious but dusty furniture. I can only assume it’s a recently abandoned building. I hope backup is here soon; I need to get to Jasmine. The sound of her hoarse confusion still lingers in my ears. After that, my earpiece broke, and all I could hear was static.

“So, Reaper, it seems you’ve successfully destroyed yet another beautiful thing.” the quiet one says. I tilt my head, trying to recognize his voice and let out a low scoff in response. I was convinced I was being held by one of the mafias or perhaps one of those celebrities at the ball, but oddly enough, I don't think that’s the case.

“I'd hardly say your little groupies are anything but beautiful. I believe I’ve done everyone a favor with the damage I’ve caused.”

“Is that all you can create?” The man snaps, stepping in front of the others. He places his hand on his chest and presses a button on his walkie-talkie. “Any eyes on them?”

Static crackles through the device, and a choppy voice replies,“The Cameras just went black on the bottom floor. It looks like you’re getting company.”

I can’t help but grin. Did these dumb arses think my team wouldn’t come back for me? Did they thinkmy wifewouldn’t burn the world down for my sake?

“Pity. It seems our meet-cute won’t last much longer.” I sigh, shaking my head.

“Shut up.” He snaps, turning towards what I can only assume is his men with a nod. One walks to a corner, and the others approach the door.

“I wanted this to last; honestly, I wanted to make you suffer. I've spent years building my business from the ground up, hoping that one day I'll hit the top so I could watch your world crumble to the bottom.”

My brows furrow. I've made enemies throughout my lifetime, but I didn't think it ran this deep.

There's a crackling sound from his walkie-talkie, but the words are garbled:“Two in… moving—shit!”

“What's happening?” Mr. Boss Man demands, but he’s met with grunting and shifting over the speakers. It goes silent momentarily, and I nearly yawn—that's when I hear it.

“Where is he!?”The voice crackles over the speakers, and my heart nearly stops at the beautiful sound.

“Oh, the missus doesn’t sound happy,” I say with a playful tone, but inside, I panic. She's here, and I don’t know what these men can do. I know she can handle herself; she’s proven that time and again, but it doesn’t stop me from feeling useless.What if she needs me?That thought alone is enough to send my body into a full-blown fury.

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