"We've discussed this. I don't leave you behind."
"And I don't let you die for me."
The two vehicles—black SUVs with tinted windows—are parked strategically to block exit routes. Definitely not a coincidence.
"Keep walking," Sawyer murmurs, thumb stroking my hand.
Four men exit the SUVs, trying to look casual, but their tactical boots and concealed weapons give them away. They're moving to surround us.
"When I say run?—"
I don't let him finish. Instead, I stop abruptly, pull him down for a loud, public kiss, and use the movement to slip the compact pistol from his waistband. When I break the kiss, I whisper against his mouth, "Trust me."
Then I'm moving, not away but toward the nearest hostile, stumbling like a drunk girl. "Oh my God, is that a real Rolex? My daddy collects watches?—"
I'm inside his guard before he processes the threat. The pistol presses against his kidney as I use his body to shield mine. "Nobody moves, or your friend discovers what his spine looks like."
The tactical advantage shifts in seconds. Sawyer's already moving, flanking the others while they're focused on me. God, we work well together—no communication needed, just instinct and trust.
The other three freeze, hands hovering near weapons.
"Smart girl," my hostage says. "But you're outnumbered."
"I'm also desperate, which makes me dangerous." I press harder, making him grunt. "Here's what's happening. You're going to tell your friends to back off. We're taking your vehicle. Anyone who follows, I shoot."
"You won't get far?—"
Sawyer's moved while I held their attention, and now has his weapon trained on the others. "She's not bluffing. I've watched her kill three men today. She's getting creative."
I push my hostage forward, keeping the gun on him. "Keys."
He tosses them to Sawyer, who's already moving to the nearest SUV. I back toward it, maintaining aim.
"This isn't over," one of them calls.
"No," I agree, sliding into the passenger seat as Sawyer starts the engine. "But you just lost this round."
We peel out, and I expect gunfire, but none comes. They want us alive now, probably to find out what we know.
"That was risky," Sawyer says once we're on the highway.
"It worked."
"You could have been killed."
"So could you. That's why we're a good team."
I need to focus on something besides the adrenaline making my hands shake.
"I know what we need to do."
"What?"
"Break into Titan’s logistics hub and destroy their chemical supply."
He glances at me. "That's insane."
"You said it yourself—offense is the best defense. Besides, who would be crazy enough to attack Titan on their home turf?"
