Page 57 of Bound in Ashes

“That’s not exactly the way I remember it happening.”

“I do. But anyway, you don’t know anything about this place, and I can take care of myself.”

“Whatever. Let’s just get this done,” he said.

I nodded at the windshield. “The subdivision is right up there. Uncle Levi drew a map.”

“Drive past the entrance.”

I did, then kept my eyes on the road, desperately wanting to look, but needing to be prepared for whatever might come. I was grateful that the roads seemed to be clear, but I couldn’t bank on that lasting.

“Approach from the side. Let’s see if there’s anything there,” he said.

I did, and pulled into a side road.

“Should we try to hide?”

“No. If we need to make a break for it, it’s better to have everything out in the open,” he said.

“Yeah, not like there are too many places anyway. This was all trees last time I was here,” I said.

“We’re gonna make this quick. In and out,” he said. “And Asia…”

I looked at him, hearing something in his voice.

“Out there, you follow my lead,” he said.

“Yeah,” I said.

He reached across the seat and grabbed my chin in his hand, forcing me to meet his eyes. After a long moment, he trailed his fingers down, settling them on my neck.

Right at my pulse.

I was sure he felt it racing.

Knew he saw my reaction to him.

I fought to stay still, but shifted at the wetness that slipped from me.

He pressed, making sure I felt the pressure.

That I felt him.

“Not ‘yeah’,” he said. “You follow my fucking lead.”

“I got it, Jack,” I said.

He nodded, and I touched the handgun at my side, then touched the knife.

I wouldn’t say that I was ready, but I wouldn’t show that to Jack.

Instead I got out of the car and looked around.

It was truly a beautiful day.

A fucking perfect day.

The sun was high in a bright blue sky, the weather cool enough for sleeves, but not too cold.