The Flames We Cannot Escape

The cabin was silent except for the crackling fireplace and Evelyn's slow, measured breathing. She was asleep. Safe—for now.

Luca sat beside her, his fingers tangled in hers, his thumb tracing small circles against her skin. He should've felt relieved. But he didn't.

Dante, perched near the window, exhaled sharply. "They won't stop coming, Luca. You know that, right?"

Luca didn't look away from Evelyn. "I know."

Dante ran a hand through his hair. "Then what's the plan? Because we can't stay here forever."

Luca finally turned to him, his gaze sharp. Cold. Calculated. "We make them stop."

Dante huffed a bitter laugh. "You make it sound so simple."

Luca's jaw clenched. It was simple.

They came after Evelyn.

They put a bullet in her.

They almost took her away from him.

He wouldn't let that happen again.

Dante studied him for a moment before sighing. "You're in love with her, aren't you?"

Luca stiffened. He should've denied it. He should've laughed it off.

But he didn't.

Instead, he said, "I'll burn the whole world down if it means keeping her safe."

Dante let out a low whistle. "Yeah. That's what I thought."

A soft murmur broke through their conversation. Luca turned back just in time to see Evelyn's eyes flutter open.

"Luca…?" Her voice was hoarse, weak.

He was beside her in an instant. "I'm here."

Her fingers tightened around his. "You're okay?"

Luca let out a shaky breath. "You got shot, Evie. And you're worried about me?"

A faint smile touched her lips. "Always."

His heart clenched. God, he loved her.

Dante cleared his throat. "Hate to interrupt this moment, but we should move before sunrise."

Evelyn blinked up at Luca. "Are we running again?"

Luca met her gaze, his grip on her hand firm.

"No," he said. "We're ending this."

—

Next Chapter: Love in the Line of Fire