Ashes Of Desire
She slid a fresh magazine into her sidearm with a crisp, metallic snap that echoed loudly in the cramped room.
"They brought a blockade," Maya said, her voice dropping into a level, dangerous register. "We're going to break it."
Julian didn't argue. He didn't offer a patronizing warning or try to shield her behind his frame. Instead, a dark, fierce grin touched the corners of his mouth—an expression of absolute, shared synchronization that transcended words. He reached out, his large calloused hand gripping the back of her neck, pulling her close for a hard, bruising kiss that tasted of gunpowder and raw, untamed fury.