Page 57 of Secret Mission

I need her to breathe. The heat in my chest grows so bright and big, I wonder if I will split in half.

How has she done this to me?

It’s like Allison was sent to me. To fit her puzzle pieces into the gaping holes in my soul.

When we become desperate for air, I break free, pulling her closer, cupping her forehead to my neck as I close my eyes.

She’s safe.

We’re alive.

Those fuckers didn’t hurt her.

“I thought you drowned.” Her voice is small, but her hug is fierce.

“Nah, I got loose. Did you get to shore?”

“Ahem!”A deep throat clearing makes me peel my lids open to find my brother staring at me. At us.

That motherfucker.

The heat in my chest turns to a supernova of anger. “What are you doing here?”

“I was in the country. When I ran into some of the Agile team, I heard you were missing.”

He just had to stick his nose in my fucking business. Again.

We stare at each other. Mirror images. Only his hair is longer, and the lines in his face are deeper. Probably fucking guilt.

It’s been months since we saw each other. It’s done nothing to ease the hate for him. Don’t suspect anything ever will.

He doesn’t move. But when his eyes fall to Allison, a possessive monster tears through me and right out of my mouth on a roar.

“Fuck off, Axle. Don’t ever look at Allison again.”

“Some thanks that is for fishing her out of the ocean. Oh yeah, and carrying her on my back while we searched for your sorry fucking ass.”

“You touched her?”

His eyes just glint below his red headlamp. Fitting as fuck.

Evil shit inside those dark pupils makes him look right at home bathed in the color of blood.

Allison stiffens against me, and before I can do anything, she’s scrambling down, out of my arms. Aiming her furious glare at him, she puts her small frame in front of me. “Why are you talking to your brother like that?”

“Don’t.” I wrap my hand around her upper arm, pulling her back until she’s flush against my chest. “Leave this between us. It runs deep.”

Fire continues to build behind the eyes that match mine, his scowl tightens and then he airs our dirty laundry.

“Mack is angry because I was Hope’s friend.”

Familiar rage erupts in my veins, turning my blood to lava. “Don’t ever say her fucking name again, or I’ll slice your tongue out.”

“Good to see nothing has changed.” Axle spits on the ground. “And you're welcome for saving your girl, little brother. Try not to get this one killed, too.” He spins on his boot and stomps off.

I make a move to follow him, but Ally wraps herself tightly around me.

She’s still shaking after the scuffle.