So I let Phoenix end the kiss.

“Get your ass to the bunker, now. I don’t want to have to worry about your safety.”

She touches her swollen lip with her finger. She’s going to spend her entire time in the bunker thinking about our kiss.

“Dunn,” I warn.

“I’m as safe as you are standing here, but fine, I’ll go.”

I watch as Phoenix walks away toward the more secure half of the house that sits on top of a bunker.

I stare at her legs tightly covered in jeans. I watch the sway of her hips as she walks away. My eyes drift up to her black long-sleeved T-shirt and her short red hair. Phoenix is the complete opposite of Liesel.

I like Phoenix’s body, but I don’t crave it like an addict craves heroin. With Liesel, if I get the tiniest taste, I’m going to lose myself. I’m going to become so addicted that I won’t be able to do anything but think about her.

A loud explosion grabs my attention again.

Jesus, I barely even kissed Liesel, and I’m already going down the rabbit hole. What would happen to me if I did more than kiss her?

That’s just one of the many reasons why I can’t.

I grab one of my many stashed guns by pressing my finger to the scanner under the kitchen counter. A compartment opens, and I grab the two guns inside, along with plenty of ammunition. Then I take off toward the garage.

The garage is dark when I get there. No one has entered yet.

I run to the Range Rover, pop the door open and then climb in.

This car is bulletproof, and the large tablet inside is hooked up to my entire security system. I’m a great fighter, but the best place for me to help my team is here, being their eyes in the field. My first task is finding the man who ordered this attack so I can put an end to this and save as many lives on my side as possible.

All of his team will end up dead, no matter how many surrender.

I turn on my radio, instantly connecting my voice to my team. “They are only attacking from the front. They’re trying to get past the minefield.”

“They won’t get past it, boss,” Seth says.

“Don’t get cocky. Be prepared and alert. I’ll let you know if any of them get through the perimeter.”

I need to find their leader and figure out why they are attacking. Whoever it is, they aren’t very skilled. Or at least, they didn’t bring very many men.

I dial Enzo’s number. Kai is technically in charge, and I love her to death, but Enzo and I go back since forever. And I don’t like to bother Kai and unless it’s important.

“What do you need?” Enzo says matter of factly, knowing that I never call him just to chat about how our lives are. I only call when I need something from him.

“The island is under attack. I don’t know who it is or if they’re after you or me.” I leave out the chance that they’re attacking to get to Liesel.

“I’m not aware of any threats against us, but let me do a security check and speak with Kai. I’ll get back to you in one.” He ends the call.

Enzo will call me back in literally one minute. Moments like this are all about speed. I need to know who, where, when, why, and I need to know it all right now.

I zoom in on the men shooting at us. There is nothing special about their clothes, their equipment, nothing that tells me who they work for.

My phone buzzes.

“And?” I answer.

“We don’t think they’re after us. I’ll keep finding out any info I can and leave a message for you. Do you need backup?” Enzo says with a bit of teasing in his voice. He knows I’m more than capable of handling this myself, and it would take him hours to get here. Even if I did need his help, we’d all be dead by then.

Unfortunately, these men are most likely after us because of Liesel’s money. Any leak of a treasure and it brings out all sorts of crazies to try and find it. I don’t know how anyone knows when we have taken zero steps to go after the inheritance, but that’s a question for a different day.


Tags: Ella Miles Lies Dark