Elegbede_Habeeb

The first time they met, it felt like fate. The second time, it felt like a warning.

She was running from a past that refused to die. He was chasing a future that seemed just out of reach. When their worlds collided, it was more than just love—it was an obsession, a wildfire that threatened to burn them both alive.

But love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes, it’s destruction in disguise.

Bound by Fire: Ashes of Desire

The safe house was an abandoned cabin deep in the woods, hidden beneath towering trees that swallowed the moonlight. No cameras. No signals. No tracks to follow. It was the kind of place ghosts disappeared into.

Luca carried Evelyn inside, his arms aching but unwilling to let her go. Dante locked the door behind them, checking the windows before pulling the curtains shut.

"Lay her down," Dante ordered, already grabbing the med kit.

Luca lowered her onto the worn-out couch, his jaw tight as he watched her eyes flutter closed. Too pale. Too still.

"Stay with me, Evie," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her damp forehead.

Dante knelt beside them, his hands steady as he cut Evelyn's shirt open around the wound. The bullet had gone clean through, but she'd lost too much blood. Too much.

"We need to stitch this up," Dante said. "Now."

Evelyn stirred, her eyelashes fluttering weakly. "I can hear you, you know," she mumbled. "I'm not dead."

Dante let out a breath. "Not yet."

Luca's fingers curled into fists. Not ever.

Evelyn winced as Dante worked, stitching her wound with practiced hands. Luca held her still, whispering quiet reassurances against her temple. Every flinch. Every breath. He felt it all.

After what felt like an eternity, Dante sat back, exhaling. "She'll make it."

Luca's chest caved with relief. He smoothed his hand over Evelyn's cheek, her skin still warm. "Good," he whispered.

Her eyes cracked open, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "Told you. I'm not going anywhere."

Something burned in Luca's throat—love, fear, rage all tangled into one.

"Get some rest," he said, brushing a kiss against her forehead.

Evelyn's fingers curled around his wrist, weak but firm. "You too."

Luca didn't answer. Because he knew he wouldn't sleep. Not until they were safe. Not until she was truly okay.

Dante sat by the window, watching the darkness outside. "They won't stop, you know."

Luca met his gaze. His voice was cold. Dangerous.

Next Chapter: The Flames We Cannot Escape

A Fire That Never Dies