Page 19

"You're making a mistake," I say, injecting a note of desperation into my voice. "I have information, things you'd want to know."

Viper steps closer, his interest piqued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, all hell breaks loose.

There's a deafening crash as Koda and his team burst through the skylights, raining glass and chaos down on the unsuspecting gang. In the confusion, I drop to the ground, rolling behind a stack of crates for cover.

The warehouse erupts into a war zone. Gunshots and shouts fill the air, punctuated by the distinctive sound of Koda's roar. I peer around the edge of the crates, my breath catching as I see him in action.

Koda is a force of nature, his massive green form moving with a deadly grace I've never seen before. He takes on three men at once, his fists and feet flying in a brutal dance. For a moment, I'm mesmerized by the raw power of him, understanding for the first time the true extent of his capabilities.

A bullet whizzes past my head, snapping me back to reality. I duck down, my hand reaching for the small pistol Koda insisted I carry. The weight of it is unfamiliar and terrifying, but I grip it tightly, ready to defend myself if necessary.

Through the chaos, I spot Viper making a break for the exit. Without thinking, I spring into action. "Koda!" I shout, pointing. "He's getting away!"

Koda's head snaps up, his yellow eyes locking onto Viper's retreating form. With a growl that sends shivers down my spine, he gives chase.

I follow, my heart in my throat. This isn't part of the plan, but I can't let Koda face him alone. As I round the corner of the warehouse, I see them locked in combat.

Viper is more skilled than I expected, holding his own against Koda's superior strength. They trade blows, each impact resonating in the air. But then Viper pulls a knife, the blade glinting wickedly in the dim light.

"Koda, watch out!" I cry, raising my gun instinctively.

Everything seems to slow down. Viper lunges, the knife arcing towards Koda's throat. Koda twists, but not quite fast enough. The blade slices across his arm, drawing a line of dark blood.

The sight of Koda's blood ignites something primal within me. Without conscious thought, I squeeze the trigger. The gun kicks in my hand, the sound deafening in the enclosed space.

Viper staggers, clutching his shoulder where my bullet struck him. The momentary distraction is all Koda needs. With a roar of triumph, he tackles Viper to the ground, subduing him with a few well-placed blows.

As quickly as it began, it's over. The warehouse falls silent save for the sound of our heavy breathing. Koda looks up at me, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice rough with exertion.

I nod, lowering the gun with shaking hands. "I'm fine. You're hurt."

Koda glances at his arm, shrugging off the injury. "It's nothing. You did good, little chef. Real good."

Using his pet name for me, here in this place of violence, nearly undoes me. I rush to him, uncaring of the unconscious gang leader at our feet. Koda enfolds me in his arms, and I breathe in his scent, letting it calm my racing heart.

"It's over," he murmurs into my hair. "You're safe now. For good."

As the adrenaline fades, the reality of what we've accomplished sinks in. No more running. No more hiding. We're free.

I look up at Koda, seeing the same realization dawning in his eyes. "We did it," I whisper, a smile breaking across my face.

Koda's answering grin is fierce and joyful. He leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that's equal parts relief and triumph. When we part, he rests his forehead against mine.

"What do you say we get out of here?" he rumbles. "I think it's time we started planning that future of ours."

As we walk out of the warehouse, Koda's arm protectively around my shoulders, I feel a sense of lightness I haven't experienced in months. The cool night air hits my face, and I take a deep breath, savoring the feeling of freedom.

Sirens wail in the distance, growing closer. Koda's mercenary contacts have already alerted the authorities, ensuring that Viper and his gang will face justice through legal channels. It's a clean end to a messy chapter of our lives.

We make our way to Koda's truck, parked a safe distance away. As he helps me in, his touch gentle despite the violence he's capable of, I'm struck by the duality of him. Fierce protector and tender lover, ex-mercenary and future restaurateur. He's a study in contrasts, and I love every facet of him.

As we drive away from the scene, the city lights blurring past us, I feel the events of the night catching up with me. My hands shake, delayed shock setting in.

Koda notices immediately, reaching over to take one of my trembling hands in his. "Hey," he says. "You're okay. We're okay."