“You sure I’m doing it right?”
“You’re exactly what I need.”
“Ah, a need, not awant.” My gaze drifts to the other couples. Most are much older than us.
“Baby, trust me, you’re absolutely a want of mine.”
The smile splitting my face is ridiculous. And I don’t even care. Nothing compares to the way this man looks at me. Has been looking at me since the day we met.
If we’re both being honest.
Chapter 19
MILES
Schmiddy thinks he’s calling the shots.
A house fire in the run-down burbs with hazards flanking every side... no fucking way. That’s a hard damn no.
My grip around the tablet tightens, and the screen whines. The home is littered with bars on every window. Like there would be anything inside worth stealing.
“Tennison! You’re with Owens on perimeter.”
“I’m good, Cap,” Owens sends back.
The fuck?
“Both of you, perimeter. Now!”
Heids gives me a peculiar look before shaking her head. She waves at Tennison, who follows her round the back of the building.
“You done commandeering my commands?” Schmiddy’s in my face.
“Go chat up a bystander, bud. Do us all a favor.”
He makes a swipe for the tablet. I turn away, giving him my shoulder.Useless motherfucker.
Sandy is running the engine pumps, priming them, drowning out Schmiddy’s asinine complaints that are literally landing ondeaf ears. I’m done letting this joker put our crew in danger every shift.
And for some reason, my hackles are up today. First shift back after London and I crossed the line we shouldn’t have, and I?—
“Cap! Hammond!” Owens is running for the engine, London in front of her as she pushes her faster, a hand on London’s back. “Meth lab!”
Oh fu?—
BOOM!
The dilapidated home being eaten alive by flames explodes, and I curl and duck into the engine.
BOOM! BOOM!
Shielding my face with a hand as debris rains down—torn up parts of the house clattering to the ground—ringing in my ears starts instantly.
Cars parked by the curb start wailing with their security alarms from the hit, flashing head- and taillights.
I try to ascertain where the hell my crew is.
Owens and London are crouched on the ground, heads down, their gloved hands over their necks. Braced for impact.
