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Chapter 43: The Fire Between Us
The fire crackled, casting golden shadows across the cabin walls.
Rina sat curled in a wool blanket, her eyes closed but her senses awake—listening to Eliot breathe beside her. Even in silence, his presence wrapped around her like heat.
Eliot stared into the flames.
"I had a dream last night," he said softly.
Rina turned to him.
"There was a city. Falling. And you were there. You grabbed my hand and said, 'Don't let them take you.'"
He looked at her.
"Do you believe in dreams that are really… memories?"
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She nodded slowly.
"I keep seeing flashes. A hallway. Machines. Your voice calling my name."
"But I don't know what it means."
Eliot reached for her hand. Their fingers touched, unsure at first—then entwined.
"I don't care who we were," he said. "Right now, in this moment, it feels real."
She leaned in closer.
"So real it hurts."
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Their lips met.
Slow. Searching. Familiar.
And suddenly—the world shifted.
Like doors creaked open inside them both.
Searing visions.
Snow. Blood. A lab. A cube. A kiss beneath electric lights. A girl whispering "Find me."
They pulled apart, breathless.
"Did you see that?" Rina gasped.
Eliot stared at her, wide-eyed.
"We were something… powerful."
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The fire roared higher.
And in Zurich, Savannah smiled at her terminal.
> HEARTSYNC LEVEL: 47%
CONNECTION STATUS: RETURNING
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Author's Note:
Love lit from memory is a fire that never goes out. If this kiss moved you, keep their warmth alive by collecting this chapter of Billionaire in Disguise. Each collection fans the flame. Thank you for believing in their spark.
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