“You’ve got backup every step of the way. We’ve got eyes on every angle.”
“I know.”
Still no eye contact. Still too much distance.
“Savvy,” he said, voice low. “Look at me.”
She turned. Slowly.
And when their eyes met, something cracked open inside him. She was trying so damn hard to be invincible. Unshakable. But he saw the weight in her shoulders, the grief tucked behind her eyes.
He reached for her hand, and she didn’t pull away.
“You don’t have to be steel all the time,” he murmured. “Not with me.”
Her fingers curled tighter around his. “If I’m not, someone dies.”
Patch moved in, close enough that the heat of her breath met his. “You walk into that meeting like a goddamn hurricane. But for just one second, right here, be still with me.”
Her shoulders sagged a fraction. “You always did know how to talk me down.”
“Only because I’ve been where you are.” He touched her cheek, brushing back a piece of windblown hair. “If I could take your place, I would. You know that, right?”
Her throat bobbed. “That’s why I can’t let you.”
Silence wrapped around them again, but it was a different kind of silence. Not heavy. Not threatening. Just full.
Then she leaned in. Not a kiss—just her forehead against his. Her breath against his skin.
“I love you,” he whispered. “Come back to me.”
“I will.”
Patch let the moment stretch, memorizing the feel of her in his hands, the weight of her trust.
Then he stepped back, helped her into the boat, and handed her the wheel.
She didn’t say goodbye. Neither did he.
Just a shared look.
One promise between two warriors who’d bled for this life.
CHAPTER 14
Patch crouchedlow in the tall grass, mud cold against his stomach, the thick scent of the swamp clinging to his skin like a second layer. He’d taken position along the southern bend, flanking the old cypress stump where Gunner was expected to park his ego and posture for control.
The others were spread out—Cross up in the trees, Stone covering the north bank, McGuire anchored close to the fallback trail in case things went loud fast.
And Savvy…
He forced the thought down. She was the bait. The lead. The plan. She could handle herself—had always handled herself. But that didn’t stop every instinct in him from screaming.
He adjusted the rifle, finger brushing the trigger guard. Any second now.
A crackle in his earpiece. Nothing but static.
Then silence.
