Page 85 of Targeted By Desire

Bullets riddled against the back of the car like hail. If the windows weren’t bulletproof, they probably would’ve shattered already.

They must’ve realized they were wasting bullets and pulled the gun back inside.

I took the moment to turn down one of the backroads, surrounded with nothing but tall, empty trees. The road swirled through the woods, making it hard to maintain my quick speed, but easier to get farther ahead of them.

I almost let out a breath when I glanced in the rearview and didn’t see their car behind me. If I made a few more turns while I was out of sight, then maybe I’d be able to shake them off for good.

Just as I approached an opportunity for a turn, their car appeared again. This time with a larger weapon hanging out the window, one the man holding it had to hang damn near on the windowsill to hold.

With the flick of his finger, a slim rocket sailed through the sky and slammed directly into the back bumper of my car. It exploded upon collision, lifting the car up off its back wheels and onto the front bumper.

My head snapped forward, slamming against the steering wheel as the car flipped over. The first roll was all pavement. The second, it swiveled onto the nearby grass. The third wouldn’t have been the last if it hadn’t collided into a tree.

I grimaced at the pounding in my head and disorientation of my vision as the car stopped, laying wheels up. Squeezing my eyes shut, I pushed through the pain and felt around for my seatbelt.

My fingers brushed against the inch of exposed metal on the buckle when I heard something clatter inside the car.

Cracking my eyes open, I watched a small sphere roll across what used to be the roof towards me.

It was a grenade - with a missing pin.

THE ASSASSIN

I rapped my knuckles against the sleek wood of the door in a rhythm I knew Maria would recognize.

I’d called Miles on my way here to find out where she’d be. Since he had to work late tonight, he told me she’d be at the apartment alone.

I didn’t want to alarm her with a regular knock and have her think it was some random stranger. I needed her to know it was safe to open the door.

The door hinges practically flew open a moment after I knocked. I barely got to take in her face before she flung herself against me. Her arms looped around my neck and she squeezed so tight that I almost couldn’t breathe. “Thank God,” she murmured into my shoulder.

Chuckling, I wrapped my arms around her and returned the hug. “Don’t tell me you were worried.”

Scoffing, she pulled away to use her hands to sign. With the way you act, I always have to.

I glanced around as she pulled me into the apartment. What was once clearly a bachelor pad with the giant televisions and comfortable couches was dashed up with colorful fleece blankets and small pots of flowers. The robust smell of tomato sauce and herbs wafted through the air, and a romantic drama played on the television.

Are you hungry? Maria asked as shoved me down onto the couch. She grabbed the remote and changed the channel from the sappy love confession to the news. I just finished making some spaghetti.

I raised a brow. “Why are you talking to me like I’m a guest? This your house now or something?”

Blush crept up her cheeks as she averted her eyes. I’ve gotten a little comfortable. Miles told me to make myself at home, so I have.

“Enough that you don’t want to leave.”

Now, I didn’t say that. Domestic life is cute, but I don’t know if I could do it long-term. At least not right now. Maybe when we, you know…retire.

“Retire?” I almost laughed. “I gotta give this guy his props. He’s got you thinking about a future outside of this.”

I wouldn’t mind one so long as he’s in it. And you of course.

“Nah, don’t try to backtrack now. Just say you love him, and there’ll be no hard feelings.”

She rolled her eyes. What do you know about love?

“I know I see it in your eyes when you look at him. Hell, I see it ten times stronger when he looks at you.”

“Bullshit,” she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. She turned to walk away, and I grasped her wrist.