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 air was thick with tension as Luca, Evelyn, and Dante moved through the abandoned warehouse district. This was it. No more running. No more hiding.

Luca had spent the last 24 hours piecing together everything—who was after them, where they were hiding, and most importantly, how to end it.

Evelyn adjusted the gun in her grip, her jaw set in determination. "How many?" she whispered.

Dante, peering through a pair of binoculars, let out a low whistle. "More than we'd like. Less than we'd fear. Fifteen, maybe twenty."

Luca's fingers flexed around the knife at his belt. "We've handled worse."

Evelyn glanced at him, her lips pressing into a thin line. "We were lucky last time. This time, we need more than luck."

Dante smirked. "That's why I brought this." He held up a small remote detonator. "A little surprise in case things get messy."

Luca arched a brow. "You rigged explosives?"

Dante shrugged. "I had time to kill."

Evelyn shook her head. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but… good job, Dante."

He grinned. "I live for your approval."

Luca ignored them both. His eyes were locked on the warehouse where their enemies lurked. They had come for Evelyn. They had tried to kill her. Now, they would regret it.

"Stick to the plan," he ordered. "We go in silent. Take out as many as we can before they realize what's happening."

Evelyn nodded. Dante cracked his knuckles.

Luca took one last breath, then led the way.

The first guard never saw him coming. One swift movement—silent, deadly.

Evelyn followed close behind, her own movements just as precise. They moved like shadows, eliminating one after another.

"Shit," Dante hissed. "So much for silent."

Luca grabbed Evelyn's wrist, yanking her behind cover as bullets sprayed in their direction. "Stay close!"

Evelyn fired back, taking down a man before he could reach them. "No chance of that!"

The explosion rocked the warehouse, sending metal and debris flying. Chaos. Screams. Fire.

Luca pushed forward, taking down the last few standing enemies. His heartbeat was a war drum, his movements fueled by something primal. Protect. Defend. Destroy.

Evelyn panted beside him, smoke and fire painting her in an unholy glow. She looked like a warrior. Like fire itself.

Luca reached for her, his hands tangling in her hair, his lips crashing into hers.

A kiss of war. A kiss of survival. A kiss of love.

Evelyn pulled back just enough to whisper, "It's over."

Luca held her close. "Not yet. But it will be."

Next Chapter: The Aftermath of Flames

The Heat of War