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“Sometimes talking works better than fighting. Especially with drunks.”
“You’ve had practice.”
It’s not a question. The ease with which she handled the situation speaks volumes about her past.
She nods, sinking back onto the mattress. The springs creak under her weight, a discordant melody in the tense atmosphere.
“More than I’d like to admit.”
I join her, the adrenaline crash leaving me feeling hollow and shaky. The mattress dips beneath us, bringing our bodies close.
“Thank you for defusing that. I was ready to shoot him.”
“I know. That’s why I had to try something else. I’ve seen enough blood for one night.” Ember’s hand finds mine; her fingers cool against my skin. The touch grounds me.
The images of the men I killed tonight flash through my mind, the bodies I left in our wake.
“Hey.” Ember’s voice pulls me back to the present. Her hand cups my cheek, forcing me to meet her gaze. “How about we forget about everything and get some rest? You need it too, you know.”
I shake my head, my body tense, too wired. “I need to call this in. My day’s far from over.”
She frowns. “We both need rest. You can call it in after a nap… Close your eyes for a bit.”
“I can’t.” My voice is firm, even though exhaustion weighs on me like a heavy blanket. “There’s a body count to deal with. Guardian HRS will handle the cleanup, but it’s still a mess. I can’t let my guard down.”
Her brow furrows, stubbornness flashing in her eyes. “You’re not a machine. You’re running on fumes, and pushing through will only get you hurt. Let me watch your back for once.”
I almost smile at that—almost. “You? Watch my back?”
Her lips press into a tight line, defiant. “Yes. I’ve got two hands and a pair of eyes. You need this. Just rest, please.”
I stare at her, the fight draining out of me, though I’m not about to admit it.
“Fine.” I give her the illusion of winning this argument. “But just for a little while. You go first. I’ll keep watch.”
She sighs, too tired to argue further, sinking back onto the bed, her body curling against mine. “You promise?”
“I promise.”
We both know it’s a lie.
Moments later, her breathing evens out, the tension slipping from her body as she drifts into sleep.
I stay perfectly still, letting her think I’m following her into oblivion, but I remain vigilant as the minutes tick by.
As the hours pass and dawn creeps closer, I don’t sleep.
I won’t.
Not while she’s vulnerable, not while there’s still danger lurking outside this room. I’ll keep watch over her, just like I said I would.
Ember stirs, her eyes fluttering open. A slow smile spreads across her face as she takes me in, and my heart skips a beat.
“Morning,” she murmurs, voice husky with sleep.
“Morning,” I reply, leaning in to kiss her softly.
The kiss is gentle, a stark contrast to the desperate passion of last night.