every step of the way. Do that, and we’ll talk about you going on that mission…”
“Shit yeah.” I practically shout in victory.
“Don’t interrupt me. You’ll be on that mission, but only in a support role. Keep pushing and that bullet wound won’t heal the way it should. You’ll get it infected, or worse. I need you to understand what’s at risk.”
I know exactly what’s at risk. Given a choice between my life and Moira’s, there is only one answer. She’s mine to protect, and I’ll sacrifice everything to bring her home. A bum leg means nothing to me if it means she gets to come home and have a chance to live a happy life.
“Is Forest giving the extraction to Alpha?”
“Yes, but until the mission’s a go, I need your word that you’ll slow your ass down. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Stop sneaking out and pushing your leg with those runs.”
Shit, I’m busted.
“And if I promise?” This is the first bone she’s tossed my way.
“If you promise, I’ll consider it. Support only, but if you keep pushing yourself and rip open my handiwork, you won’t be on that mission.” She’s stern but understands my motivation to get back to mission readiness.
Moira shouldn’t mean what she does to me, but I can’t help it. She was under my care at the Facility. I was her Guardian, assigned to teach her self-defense. We may have overstepped Guardian and pupil roles, but what the fuck do I care about that?
“If I do everything your way, you promise to get me on that mission?” I grit my teeth asking the question, but it’s clear the only way I’ll be on that mission is if Doc Summers clears me.
“I’ll never make a promise I can’t keep. Meet me halfway, Griff, and we’ll see.”
“How sure is Mitzy?”
“She’s not, but you know Mitzy. She’s like a dog with a bone. She’ll find Moira, and when she does, you can bet there’ll be Guardians there within the hour to bring her home.”
And I’m going to be one of them.
Doc Summers might consign me to a support role, but my team has my back. They understand.
With nothing left to say, Doc Summers leaves me to obsess over Moira and the hell she must be in.
I’ve never felt this helpless.
Three
Moira
“You saw what she did to Jack.” The other man huffs a laugh. He seems to be the one in charge. “Bitch bit his dick off.” Bossman lets loose, cackling as he slaps his thigh.
That’s not something I remember. I would never bite off a man’s dick. Is that even possible? But if I did—I give myself a high five.
Something about this place feels off. A metallic smell lingers in the air, different from the coppery tang coating my mouth. It smells like diesel fuel. Industrial comes to mind. And there’s a vibration, so low it’s barely perceptible, thrumming through the floor.
“And you shot him.” Shelly makes another circuit around me. His loose-fitting pants do little to hide his growing arousal. “I have to say, she’s fine.” He tugs at his crotch, creeping me out.
Shelly’s examination is more than cursory. His interest grows bolder by the second. I should know. I’m an expert at reading men’s filthy desires. I know exactly what it takes to get them off, and I know what he likes.
Shelly likes a woman who fights. He’s one of those who can’t get it up unless he causes harm.
His breaths deepen, like they always do when a man works himself into a sexual frenzy. He’ll touch me in a moment. It’ll be cautious, testing the waters. Shelly’s not confident enough to take what he wants outright. He needs to test my defiance first. Then, he’ll use my reaction to justify what he does next. Like it’s my fault when he rapes me.
Been there.
Done that.
Got the scars to prove it.
If I wasn’t so damn terrified right now, I’d be bored to tears.
“And your point?” Bossman’s voice comes out in a low growl. “You think what I did was out of line?”
“No, Boss.” Shelly puts up his hands and takes a step back.
The protrusion of his erection bobs left and then right. He’s such a pussy, backing down too quickly. I know it, and Bossman does too. I’m surprised the boss doesn’t shoot Shelly’s balls off just to make a point.
“That’s right. I’m in charge. Not you.”
“Shit.” Shelly practically chokes on his words. “I was just stating what happened. He got what was coming to