Chapter 13

THIRTEEN

Emma's eyes opened a moment after she realized the truck had in fact come to a stop. It hadn't been long enough since she retreated into her thoughts, which meant there was a reason other than safety that caused the stop.

Chris cut the engine and looked back. "It's not much, but there's a building here we need to clear."

"Clear?" Emma asked at the same time as Liam spoke.

"We're doing normal missions then?" Liam already rose and moved to the back of the vehicle to open the door.

"I haven't heard from anyone in days—which is troublesome—but yes. Last thing I want us to do is turn up with a woman and have ignored our standard mission." Chris popped open the door and got out, shutting it quietly behind him.

"What does that mean?" Emma asked, still uncertain what was going on and not enjoying the concern wrapping around her.

"We're a recon team usually. That means when we come against large-scale buildings, we have to check them. For survivors or supplies." Alex jumped out the back after he spoke .

Emma followed the men out, Ranger tracking at her heels with a bark.

The world around them was eerily silent, save for the distant wind that whistled mournfully through the ruins. The once bustling city now lay in ruins, its streets and buildings reduced to rubble and ash. The silence hung heavily in the air, broken only by the soft rustle of debris stirred up by the wind. It was as if time had stood still in this desolate place, where even the natural sounds of nature were muffled and muted by the devastation. The wind's haunting melody seemed to follow them, a constant reminder of what had been lost.

They'd stopped in front of the crumbling fa?ade of what once must have been a bustling shopping mall, Emma's heart skipped a beat. The sight of the lifeless building, its shattered windows like hollow eyes staring back at her, sent a shiver down her spine.

"Emma, William, Bash. You stay here. We'll be quick." Chris's gaze moved to each of them as he spoke.

"With all due respect, if you are going to look for supplies in there, I'd like to test my skills." Emma hadn't been prepared for Chris's hardened stare.

"Not a chance."

"And I'm not given a say? Am I a prisoner?" She stepped closer to Chris, knowing that if she didn't assert herself, he'd win.

"You're our charge. Our sole purpose is to get you to the safe haven."

"And wasn't the entire point of that exhaustingly long day yesterday to make certain I could handle my own if I needed to?" Emma tried to keep her voice level, but even the idea that he would not allow her to do the very thing he'd instructed her to do rubbed her the wrong way.

Of all the men, Chris was the one who'd kept his distance. He was the one who pushed her over and over again yesterday without a shred of compassion or calm .

He's the one getting under your skin.

"This isn't a democracy." Chris's eyes narrowed even further.

"No, it's a military unit escorting a female who can, in fact, regret the day she called out on the radio."

He recoiled as if she'd struck him.

The tension between Emma and Chris was palpable as they stood face to face in front of the crumbling mall. Ranger let out a low growl, sensing the hostility in the air.

"Listen, Chris," Emma said, trying to keep her voice calm. "I understand your concerns and I appreciate you looking out for my safety. But I've been through a lot and I know how to take care of myself."

Chris's eyes softened slightly, but his stance remained firm.

"We can't take any unnecessary risks," he said firmly. "Our mission is to get you safely to the safe haven. Anything that distracts us from that goal puts us all in danger."

Emma clenched her jaw, frustrated by Chris's stubbornness. She knew she could handle herself, but it seemed like no matter what she said, he wouldn't budge.

Before she could argue further, William stepped forward.

"Guys," he interjected calmly. "I fucked up yesterday. Let Emma have this chance."

Emma gave William a grateful look before turning back to Chris. "You heard him. Finish my training for him. There's got to be tons buried there, even three years later."

With a look at Emma and then William, Chris threw his hands up in the air. "Fine. Bash, stay here with William. Driver seat in case shit goes south. Alex, Liam, come with us. We'll split into two groups as we always do. Emma, with me."

"I'm surprised you want me around you."

"I want no repeats of yesterday. In and out." To Bash. "Get him the fuck out of here if something goes wrong." Chris nodded toward William. "Don't even wait for Emma. "

Emma let out a sigh of frustration.

"I don't understand why he's so against me helping," she muttered to Ranger.

The dog looked up at her with understanding eyes before trotting off to walk with Liam.

"Traitor," she said with a small laugh.

The once bustling shopping center, with its colorful storefronts and lively atmosphere, now lay in ruins. Piles of rubble and twisted metal were the only remnants of what used to be a thriving hub of commerce. The acrid stench of smoke hung heavily in the air, a constant reminder of the flames that had engulfed and destroyed this place. The stark contrast between past and present was a sobering sight for any who dared to venture near the smoldering remains.

Which is exactly what you're about to do.

Inside, the mall was a labyrinth of darkness and memories long past. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the ceiling, casting eerie patterns on the dust-covered floor. Rows upon rows of stores stood empty and still; their windows shattered and their goods long looted or destroyed by time.

Emma's boots echoed on the tile, a ghostly reminder of the lives that once thrived here. She tried to push away the bitter thoughts and focus instead on the task at hand.

"Liam, Alex you take the first floor." Chris set out his hand, surprising her. "Emma, we'll take the second."

She set her hand in his, ignoring the way it seemed to remove all her anger at his attitude. There was something about Chris that Emma couldn't read, and it made her want to get to know him the same way she'd started to get to know the others.

Chris led the way, his stride purposeful and sure, scanning each destroyed store front and corner for any signs of danger or loot .

The scent of old sweat and dust mingled with something more ominous, like rot and decay.

They continued their search, moving methodically through the deserted shops without any words between them. Shops that were barren save for the occasional broken shelf or mannequin part.

The silence weighed on her, broken only by the heavy sounds of her breathing.

Store after store, they moved and found nothing.

As they neared the exit, Emma tripped over a fallen display, sending a mannequin crashing to the floor. Chris whirled around, weapon drawn, and in that moment, their eyes locked. The tension between them was palpable, the air electric.

"It's just me," she said softly, holding up her hands.

Chris lowered his gun, a flush creeping up his cheeks. "Sorry."

"No problem," she said, smiling shakily.

They exchanged a charged glance, and in that instant, Emma swore she saw past Chris's defenses just enough to catch the briefest smile.

"Wait here for a second," Chris stepped deeper into the store, vanishing into what was once the backroom.

Alone in the store, Emma couldn't help but let her thoughts win. Her heart began to race in her chest as every shadowed corner held a threat she couldn't see. Her gaze darted around the shop, trying to make sense of everything her mind tried to twist.

A torn dress hanging from a mannequin's shoulders, faded price tags on a rack, scattered papers blowing around in an eerie dance. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting strange shadows on the empty shelves filled with nothing but rubble now.

Nothing ominous.

And yet, she couldn't seem to calm the rapid beating of her heart. Her eyes would not lie to her, but her mind told her there was something to fear while she was alone .

As quickly as the panic set in, Chris appeared again.

His gaze softened as he returned to her side, a hint of understanding in his brown eyes. "It's just us and the ghosts," he said, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Let's go," he gestured for her to follow, swinging his pack off his pack.

Emma moved close behind him, wondering what he could have found.

A sort of clattering sound followed by a snickering somewhere outside the store halted Chris in his tracks so quickly, Emma almost bumped into him.

"Bravo unit," Chris tapped the earpiece and whispered, the one Emma hadn't even seen him put on. "Get ready to come to the second floor. We have company."

To Emma, he looked every bit the hardened war soldier she used to fall in love with in the movies.

"Stay here," he ordered in his voice firm.

Chris crept ahead, pulling a gun from his pocket she hadn't realized he carried.

Of course he has a gun.

She watched as Chris stepped forward, his booted footfalls suddenly loud on the broken glass littering the floor from the shattered display windows. His body tensed as he moved like a predator about to pounce.

He raised his voice over the silence that had fallen between them all. "I'm part of a military unit. We're here to clear out this building. We mean you no harm, so long as you don't attempt to harm us."

Emma wasn't sure if the us referred to her and him or if Chris was attempting to make the people he spoke to nervous about a large group of armed people.

The rustle of movement outside stopped abruptly, and then there was silence again except for a faint chuckle. It grew louder until it became obvious someone was approaching their position .

Emma ducked closer against what must have been a cash register area and tried not to breathe so loud. She was useless, and every damn time they came across another group of people, she endangered one of these men because they had to worry about protecting her.

Her stomach churned as a voice called out, taunting Chris.

"I do not see a unit. I see a single man." The voice was loud and held a hint of amusement. "A single man putting on a front to try to frighten us away."

Silence had Emma lift her head up only to have fear slam her back down. Chris stood facing three men and Emma swore the glimpse revealed others further back.

He's going to die. Had I stayed they wouldn't have split up.

"You're going to stop where you are or my men and I are authorized to neutralize you." A deadly air wrapped throughChris's words.

She held her breath, fearing for Chris as the tense standoff continued. He may have been enough to be a leader in this terse world, but there was no telling how many men were laying in wait.

And all you can do is hide here.

Emma's stomach churned and a streak of bile licked a bitter path up the back of mouth, but she could not help him. She'd heard of many like these men. They would find her, fuck her, and tie her up so they could do it as many times as they wanted.

You know enough to get away, but not enough to help. The thought taunted her. And it's Chris's fault, he didn't teach you enough to really fight.

She winced at the brutal, untrue thought, pissed at herself that she couldn't help him. The knowledge that he was in danger because of her was numbing. He'd made certain she could survive, but not help others, because he didn't want to put her in harm's way .

In just a few days time, he'd protected her time and time again without her even realizing it.

The leader of the group stepped forward, his gun trained on Chris. He was a tall man with a scruffy beard and piercing blue eyes. "And who gave you that authority?" he asked, his tone mocking.

"We were sent by the government to clear out this building," Chris replied, standing taller and meeting the leader's gaze head on.

"Government?" The man laughed. "Last time I checked, there wasn't much of a government left."

Emma could see the tension growing between them, each side unwilling to back down. She wanted to do something, anything, to help diffuse the situation, but she knew she couldn't risk making things worse.

Suddenly, one of the other men in the group lunged forward with surprising speed.

Chris fired, the bullet embedding itself somewhere in the man's chest with ease thanks to the close distance. His strangled cry would forever haunt Emma, but she didn't linger on the fight as a second gunshot rang out.

A third shot echoed through the empty mall, leaving Emma no choice but to lift her head and make certain Chris still stood, uninjured.

"There's more of us than that!"

Emma's body went limp at the reminder that there had been more behind the initial trio.

Chris rounded the corner swiftly, a glower playing on his features. He snapped his gaze between the door and her, taking in her terrified expression, before shooting back out the way he came.

Another volley of gunfire followed, and bullets found their mark on the wall just outside the shop. If she wasn't careful, the next ones would find her.

Heart pounding her throat and tears pricking her eyes from worry, Emma leaned against the makeshift wall and forced herself to breathe as quietly as possible. To sit as quietly as possible.

She could only duck down and wait it out until he returned. Could only count the number of bullets that sounded like the first rounds she heard. The ones that Chris would have fired.

Where are Liam and Alex?

She knew the bullets would echo like an explosion in the large empty space. Would the duo rush up, guns blazing? Or would they creep up slowly and snipe them one by one to help Chris?

Or what if one of the bullets lodged in Alex or Liam's chest?

As her chest tightened, the world around Emma began to blur in a dizzying haze. Every short gasp of breath felt like it could be her last as she came to the realization of just how intensely connected she had become to at least two members of this unit in such a fleeting amount of time. Each passing second seemed to stretch on endlessly, and Emma's heart raced with a mix of fear and worry as she tried to come to terms with these sudden feelings and the danger they could be in right this moment.

With every second that passed, her heart pounded harder against her ribcage, each breath ragged and shallow. The adrenaline coursing through her veins mixed with an overwhelming fear that threatened to choke her. Every inhale stung her lungs with a spike of fear. Her palms grew sweaty where they rested against the gritty floor, each scratch and scrape adding another layer of terror to the already palpable tension filling every pore.

Chris came rushing through the open storefront, a burst of speed pushing him to her side.

And then, there he was. She felt him before she saw him, his massive frame pressing against her back as he knelt down behind her. His hands settled gently on her shoulders, carefully turning her around to face him .

Strong arms wrapped around her for just a moment before pulling away.

Heat from his body radiated against hers, proving that he was alive and well. This close to him, her body remembered the way it felt to be held just yesterday. Even in the insanity of the moment, Emma could not deny that, like the others, she responded to something in Chris.

Turning to look at him full-on for just a moment, she saw determination etched deeply into his face. But she also saw something else there—concern for her well-being that only heightened her flush of attraction.

"You okay?" he whispered hoarsely against her ear, and for a moment all she could focus on were his warm breath and gentle touch before nodding shakily.

His hand rested on her chest. "Take deep breaths. We've got to get to Alex and Liam, but I won't move you. Not like this. Panic attacks are deadly."

Emma clutched at her chest where his palm had rested and then allowed her arms to move over his chest. Her fingertips grazed over the rough fabric of his shirt until they found his shoulder blades.

Emma felt every inch of Chris—his warmth seeping into her skin, his calloused hands brushing against her bare upper arm until they settled around her waist, just holding her close.

She trusted this man more than should even be possible.

The way his arms wrapped around her, it was the single safest place she'd ever been. Even with the dead or injured bodies just outside the storefront.

Emma's heart raced from more than just fear now. The beating of his heart was loud under her ear, steady and wild all at once. She could feel his warm breath on her skin, mixed with the scent of gunpowder and sweat—a smell that was uniquely him. It intoxicated her just as much as it terrified her. His hand moved down to cup her cheek gently, pulling away just enough to see if she was okay. She nodded shakily, unable to find words as his gaze bore into hers. Their faces were so close, she could feel the heat from his skin against hers and taste the determination on his lips. It sent another shiver down her spine.

Chris let out a deep sigh, his chest rising and falling faster than usual as he held onto her too tightly for comfort. But she didn't seem to mind. Instead, she leaned further into him, seeking solace from the rough fabric of his uniform against her cheek. His hands traveled down her back before resting at the small of her back, pulling her closer yet again. He could feel the softness of her skin beneath his fingers—warm and inviting despite their dire circumstances.

There was no room for error now. No time for delay of any kind. She was safe, but terrified. And if what he wanted stood a chance at calming her fractured soul, he could hate himself for it later.

Chris's lips met hers. His cold exterior cracked under the pressure of this maddening need to protect and hold on to this woman who had somehow burrowed her way into his heart.

His tongue traced her lips softly, waiting for permission to taste her. She trembled under his touch, but Chris didn't believe it was fear or dislike of his bold move.

Her hands moved up to rest on his shoulders, gripping tightly, as if she needed him just as much as he needed her at that moment. He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into those hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle in the dim light of the storefront. He needed any sort of consent from her if he were to continue this moment.

She nodded slightly, trusting him completely, and he took that as his cue to deepen the kiss. Their tongues tangled together in a dance of desperation and lust that left them both breathless. Chris ran his hands down her back, feeling the gentle curve of her spine before settling them on her hips firmly. He pulled her body flush against his own, wanting nothing more than to never let go of this incredible feeling.

Sparks spiraling through his body the longer they stood kissing despite the danger. He was lost in this moment of blissful oblivion amidst the surrounding chaos. The kiss lingered on long enough for them to forget about their surroundings entirely, even though they were still surrounded by danger, they found solace in one another's embrace.

Lips parted and tongues twirled as if they were alone in this world. Every neuron firing off with desire and need for more contact with her. His hands roamed over her curves possessively while hers gripped firmly onto his shirt.

Only the sound of footsteps broke through his haze. He jerked back and the reality of their encounter slammed into him.

Fuck. The others.

Chris let his arms drop away from her body even though every fiber of his being screamed at him to hold her closer.

If he was going to do anything with Emma, he would make certain his men felt the same because something told him a single moment with this rare woman would never be enough once he started.

"You've already fucking started." He hissed.

"Excuse me?" Emma's voice shook.

"Fuck, I'm sorry. That wasn't meant to be said out loud. I don't know what came over me."

"It seems to be a trend."

Were the others in the same boat the few times they'd been alone? Were they all taken in by her?

"I assure you, I'm not pulling back because I don't want to finish exploring whatever this is." He shook his head, praying he wasn't about to scare her off. "We're a unit—Alex, Liam, Bash, William and I. We've always said that when we found someone we cared for—when it was more than lust—that we'd make sure it was someone we could all see a future with."

"So I was told." She actually rolled her eyes and walked a step back. "And is that what this could be?"

Chris stared at her, his jaw going slack as she confirmed there had been other instances. Not that he could blame his men.

"I was going to see if you needed back up, but it doesn't look like it." Alex cracked a joke as he stepped into the store. "Liam, they're alive, and fighting from the looks of it."

"Christ, we're not fighting." Chris glared at them, already knowing that they'd tasted her because he saw how she looked at them.

"Sure thing, boss." Alex grinned. "Come on. Eight dead bodies out there are not a positive vibe."

Ranger's bark drew Emma's attention away from Chris, and Chris wasn't certain if he loved or hated the way he smiled when she threw herself to the ground to hug the dog.

"Alex, get Emma to the truck. We'll be a minute behind. I want to check them for weapons and anything else." Chris tried to force his focus back to the task at hand. Not the way his body thrummed with desire as he watched Emma and Alex leave with her dog.

He waited until they were out of sight before turning to Liam.

"Tell me you're not interested in her."

Liam's face went pale making the black plastic of his glasses even more cartoonish. "I don't know what I am."

"But you think about her?"

"She's a woman and we're men in a world where women are damn near gone. Of course, I think about her. She's beautiful and smart. She's brave and determined. "

"And she's going to be assigned some medically tested and proven perfect man or men." Chris finished before Liam could.

"Exactly. And because of that, we're both going to pretend like we clearly don't agree that there's a future between our unit and Emma."

Liam wasn't the straight shooting type. Which made the words coming from him all the more powerful.

"You're right." Chris nodded, trying to shake the feel of her arms wrapped around his neck from his mind. "That's why you're my second."

Liam snickered. "No, I'm just more afraid of losing the best thing we might have found so I'm thinking clearly."

"It's been three days." He blew out a breath. "And three days in the way we live is a lifetime."

"A lifetime we'll get to enjoy even more when we get her to the safe haven and can petition to save more women, help restart society."

"Come on, enough waxing poetic. We've taken her two places, and she's been almost killed at them both. We're fucking up this knight in shining armor routine. Let's go get it right."