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The truck flies past us, disappearing up over the rise. Relief seeps in.

Until we hit the barrier.

My lungs explode, the air punched out of them. Every rational thought goes out the window.

This is what it was like for them.

It’s so hot.

The heat is what I feel before I black out.

48

Jameson

I’ve never been paralyzed. But the moment I spot the Fastback upside down in the ditch, I can’t move.

Flames lick up from the engine bay, smoke creeping into the cabin.

“Shay!” I holler.

The bike skids to a stop a few meters from the wreck. I leap off it and rip off my helmet, reaching the car in a few frantic steps.

There’s a person on the other side. I’m there in a flash, and it takes less time to realize it’s not her.

“Bree.”

The woman, who’s coughing, points back to the car. I don’t wait another second. I’ve never been so grateful for my fire suit. I try to get the driver’s door open. Fail.

Because the car’s vintage, there are no airbags. I break into the window, my chest screaming. I ignore the pain and reach for her seat belt, working it free.

Burning. Every instinct in me says to get the fuck out of there, but all I care about is what’s inside the crackling furnace of the car.

I should have gotten here faster. Shay’s dad told me where she was headed, and I floored it the entire way.

Shay’s eyes are closed, her face scratched and banged up.

I have to get her out.

Nothing else matters. Not the fact that my father did this, though I swear to God if she gets through this, I’ll kill him.

If she doesn’t…I don’t know what I’ll do.

There’s no time to call for help. Sweat drips down my face as I work her out of the vehicle.

She could have all kinds of injuries. I shouldn’t move her, but the fire grows, and we can’t be here if it erupts.

I’m trying to keep my hands steady and avoid wrenching my healing collarbone out of joint.

But I have to get her to safety.

Finally, the seat belt gives way.

I lift her in my arms as carefully as I can, relying mostly on one side. Her head lolls against my chest. She must feel my heart hammering.

Unless she’s…

I get her away from the car and set her on a hill clear of the wreck, my hand supporting her head. Then check for a pulse.