Page 23 of Rescuing You

A siren pierced the silence.

CHAPTER EIGHT

At the shrill sound, Leila’s heart, already racing, nearly pounded out of her chest.

Before she could figure out what to do, Michael grabbed her hand and yanked her outside.

The three of them bolted away from the building. The soil was rough and rocky, and she thanked God for the sneakers Jasmine had given her.

Michael ran toward a couple of bushes about fifty yards away.

Above the siren, low-pitched shouts sounded from the compound.

The men were coming.

Where were Michael’s people? Were there not soldiers? Special forces? At least his brother? Or a partner?

Were they truly alone?

Truly doomed?

They reached the bushes, and Michael yanked a sand-colored tarp back, revealing a motorcycle.

A motorcycle.

She should have put it together when he’d asked her earlier.

She should have realized…

He lifted it, settled it on its stand. “Get on.”

“What? No. You drive. We’ll⁠—”

“You promised to do as I say.” His words came fast, intent. He pulled her against his chest, pressed a rough kiss to her lips.

So brief, yet she felt in it a flood of emotions she could hardly endure.

“Michael, I won’t leave⁠—”

“I did not come this far to lose you now. Go. I’ll hold them off.”

“But you⁠—”

“As long as you’re safe, it doesn’t matter.”

The siren was silenced.

The guards’ shouts carried in the desert night.

“Sister. Hurry!” Jasmine’s voice was filled with terror. She’d already climbed onto the back seat of the motorcycle. “Please, we must. He’ll kill me.”

How could Leila leave Michael?

How could she not save her sister?

“You go!” She spat the words at Jasmine. “I’ll stay⁠—”

“I can’t drive this. Please, sister. Please!”