“That’s not right.”
She noticed too. Her nose wrinkled, a frown creasing her forehead. “Do you smell...”
“Get away from the wall.” Already closing the distance. “Now.”
“What?”
The smell intensified. Chemical reaction accelerating. Maybe three seconds before,
“Move!”
She didn’t react fast enough. Civilian. Didn’t understand the threat, didn’t recognize the warning signs.
Closed the distance in two strides.
BANG.
The battery bank exploded like a gunshot in the enclosed space. Flash of light, orange, white, blinding. Heat wave slammed into us. Black toxic smoke billowed out. Sparks showered from the ruptured casing.
The rack next to her tilted, metal groaning, falling.
Heavy. Industrial. Would crush her.
Didn’t think. Just rushed.
Shoved her sideways, hard. We hit the tile floor together, my body over hers, arms bracketing her head. The rack crashed where she’d been standing, components shattering, glass and metal scattering across the floor.
Everything slowed.
Smoke filled the air. Heat radiating from the burning batteries. Alarms starting to blare, piercing, relentless. Sprinkler system activated with a hiss, cold water suddenly pouring down.
Inches apart. Her breath against my face, rapid and shocked. Wide gray irises, pupils dilated.
Unwanted sensation tightened my chest.
Her chest heaved against mine, frantic rhythm matching the adrenaline spiking in my own blood.
Her body was soft under mine. Warm. Alive. Every point of contact registered, my forearms on either side of her head, my chest against hers, her fingers gripping my shoulders.
Electric current ran between us.
Focus. Mission. Get out.
“You okay?” Rougher than intended.
“Yes.” Breathless. Stunned. But steady.
Chaos erupted around us. Alarms screaming. Sprinklers drenching everything. Smoke thickening. Guards shouting in the hallway, running toward us.
Pulled her up, then released her immediately. Stepped back. Hands off. Water soaked us both, cold shock after the heat.
Guards burst through the door.
One last look through the smoke and water.
Turned and slipped through the emergency exit. Smoke swallowed me whole. Behind me, guards rushed to her, voices urgent, checking if she was hurt.
Glanced back once. She was safe. With guards. Soaked and shaken but standing.
