Page 91 of Burn for Me

A shuffle behind me is followed by a hard thud like something hit a vehicle.

“Jasmine…”

The tension in my shoulders loosens at the sound of his voice. If there's one thing I've learned, it’s that while I love the safety net Sam provides, I appreciate even more how he brings out my strong side—even if it’s a little crazy and unhinged. Just as he likes to control what happens to him or what he inflicts, I want to control my decisions and my life.

My dad stares over my shoulder with an expression I can’t decipher, and Dove takes the opportunity to run toward the vehicle that Sam and I used to drive. My father doesn’t look back or move; he just holds onto me, and the muscles in his round jaw flex.

“Jasmine?” He says my name as if testing its sound, then shakes his head with a sigh. “You’re not coming home, are you?”

I shake my head in response. “And I’m not giving you any more details either.”

“Sam, get your arse back in a seat before you hurt yourself!” Tide booms, but none of the others seem to move a muscle.

Seeing my father this way shows why I’m drawn to someone like Sam—they’re safe.

Although he followed my mother's wishes and couldn’t save me from unknown dangers, he alwaystriedto protect me. He was an unbreakable fortress amid chaos—intimidating and capable of instilling fear—yet deep down, underneath that big, scary mafia boss exterior, he was a loving person, just like Sam.

“I’m sorry,” I mutter, catching his attention as his arms wrap around my shoulders, pulling me close faster than I can process.

“I don’t want your apologies. I just want you to keep writing and calling. I’ll send a jet for you to visit anytime, but…” He pauses, drawing me closer, pressing his cheek against my hair. “Only if you promise me you’re happy.”

I laugh. I suppose I find humor in things I shouldn't, but it's funny to reflect on it. For all those years, I tried to distance myself from my team because I felt like I didn't belong, yet I couldn't have imagined being happier. Even when I received nothing but irritated grumbles and sideways glances from Sam, I still felt like I was exactly where I belonged.

Iknowwhere I belong.

"I promise," I mutter, gently wriggling out of his grasp to take a step back, but I bump into an unexpected barrier as I do. A hand finds its way to the small of my back, pulling me close. I can't help but smile as I feel his chest slowly rise and fall–as if he just took a breath of relief–and his lips brush against the top of my hair.

My dad rummages through his pocket, pulls out his wallet, and tries to hand me a card. I raise my hand to stop him, and he glares at me.

“This isn’t money; it’s the number you’ll call once you’re settled in somewhere and checked out. My business partner will provide directions to the private plane, which will take you back to your location so you can visit whenever you’d like or travel wherever you want.”

“On one condition,” I say as I bargain, and Sam huffs while my father waves the piece of plastic at me.

“I need you to dispose of anything I sent you that could harm my team,” I explain gently, and he nods without hesitation. “I’m serious. If there’s anyone else besides Rurik who knows about this, I need them dealt with. This is important to me.”

My dad sighs and runs his hand over his face before nodding again. “No one else knew—I didn't want to risk you any more than you already were. Besides, there’s better information out there that I can trade.”

I take the card, and he attempts to brush his fingers through my disheveled hair.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to find where your sister has run off toagain.” He mutters quietly and pulls away. Straightening his shoulders, he waves to the guards around his vehicle.

“Oh, and bring him when you visit.” He says as if it's not up for negotiation, “I may be old, but I’m not blind, Melione.”

I roll my eyes and turn toward Sam, trying to get him to step back into the vehicle, but he’s focused on pushing me in first. Reluctantly, I glance up at him and then steal one last look at my father. I know I’ll see him again one day, and I want to give Sam the proper introduction he deserves to my father. Without saying goodbye, I slide into the seat.

“We’re not going anywhere until Laura clears everyone.” Tide snaps, and Sam shuts his door to help me with my seatbelt despite being injured.

“Cas’.” Moe leans over my lap, trying to get Tide's attention, while Sharkie, tense in the passenger seat, adds to the charged atmosphere with her silence and bunched shoulders.

“Sam inhaled too much smoke…again. There was a concrete slab on him, for Christ's sake! Cordelia was too close to the building without a respirator. Jasmine…” I start to tune Tide out as he curses, but Sam's steady voice keeps me grounded as he smacks Moe's shoulder to get him off me.

“I had a good time. We should do more missions like that.” I fidget with my ring as I nod, agreeing with Sam because it was very fun if you subtract all the emotional crap that has me feeling drained. Sam's nose brushes the side of my head, making me tilt it back so he can trace it against my cheekbone.

“Don’t you dare even think about taking that off…” He mutters against my ear. “When we’re cleared, we’re going back home, and I want everyone to know just how crazy you are about me.”

My head tilts into his, feeling the tickle of his scruff.

“What about…” I trail off, remembering what I did.

---