“The amount you’ve improved in only a few months is impressive. Don’t worry, you’ll get there.” Jason’s smile reached his eyes as it widened and he said, “I’ll make sure of it.” 

The words eased the tightness in my chest, my face warm as I looked away from him. I knew it was an innocent promise, but somehow…it felt like more. 

Shaking the wishful thoughts out of my head, I focused on following Jason through the empty city streets. The eerie silence was always unsettling—both of us tense and alert for any small sound that could be a sign of danger. 

I was surprised when Jason turned away from the direction of the city center; I didn’t know what I had really expected, but it wasn’t walking into the grimy industrial section of the city. I’d been there before, picking up machines for the clinic that had needed repair, but it felt different without the quiet bustle of running factories and warehouses shipping out orders. Cold smokestacks loomed tall against the clear sky, their long shadows making me feel small and vulnerable as I shuddered and shifted closer to Jason.

My discomfort grew as he turned into an alleyway between large buildings, my palm resting on the holster at my hip; nerves churned my stomach. 

It was a relief to find the side street nearly empty, nothing waiting to ambush us—just a dingy white van, its rusted sides cratered with bullet holes, taking up most of the slim space. I looked at the metal plates welded over the windows, my hand slowly relaxing to my side as I glanced up at Jason. “Do they use the van for target practice?” I murmured, wincing at how loud my voice seemed in the silence. 

Jason smirked at the comment, walking toward the rear of the van where there were double doors instead of a trunk. “On occasion, there are some fucking idiots that think they can rob Byron—outnumber him and get a hold of his stash.” Jason chuckled low under his breath as he rapped his knuckles on the echoing metal of the door. I could tell he was trying not to flash me a grin as he said with a telling look, “It’s never worked out for them. Got quite a few amusing stories out of it though.” 

A frown pulled at my lips as I took a subtle step back, eyeing the van warily as I muttered, “I’ll try to stay on his good side, then, and keep my hands to myself.” 

I hardly had the words out before the doors flung open, startled as Jason neatly stepped back out of the way as if he’d been prepared for it. Eyes wide, my hand was pressed to my chest in an attempt to calm my suddenly racing heart as I looked up at the man Jason had come to meet.

Though Jason’s size had been intimidating when we first met, this man was like a mountain compared to him. I inched behind Jason, my mouth dry as I took in the towering man. He was thick with muscle, but there was a roundness to his arms and stomach that made it clear he still managed to eat well despite the state of the city; I wondered if it was in trade for weapons and ammo, for those who didn’t have priceless information like Jason. 

My hand gripped the back of Jason’s shirt as the man stepped out of the van, the metal squeaking as it rose slightly without his weight at the rear.

Crossing his arms over his broad chest made the ink of tattoos covering his forearms stand out in vibrant color, his worn black shirt straining against the motion. The slight tilt of his head cast strands of black hair over his forehead as Byron scanned Jason. His eyes were so deep a brown they almost seemed black, unsettling as they narrowed slightly. 

“Been a while,” he stated, his voice a low rumble that seemed fitting for his stature. The tactical belt supporting his canvas camo pants had several holsters attached to it, pouches stuffed full, and I grimaced seeing the hunting knife strapped to his thigh. “Thought you might’ve finally died out there.” 

Jason smirked, Carrot sitting obediently at his feet—perked up and on alert—as he casually shoved his hands into his pockets. It was odd to see him relaxed talking to another person, and I wondered how they knew each other and for how long. 

“Nope, still kicking,” he said, getting straight to the point as he glanced over his shoulder at me before looking back up at Byron. Jason was all business, his focus sharp as he stated, “I’m actually in the market for my partner today. We’re looking for a lightweight hunting rifle—something with a good scope—and a handgun. Think an automatic would be best for reload time.” 

My gaze snapped back to Jason, the knot in my chest easing. It was a small thing, being called his partner, but it gave me a sense of pride that pulled my lips up. 

Byron grunted, his dark gaze finding me with a look of sharp interest. “Your partner, eh? This little thing?” His chuckle had me gritting my teeth, releasing my grip on Jason’s shirt to stand taller—trying to live up to what Jason deserved from a partner. 

It only seemed to amuse Byron more, a grin on his face as he scrutinized me before his gaze slid again to Jason. “Took you for more of the lone wolf type, you’ve always been alone when you came to do business. But we’ll get him kitted up. Would be a shame to see you lose your…partner.”

Though Jason seemed unphased by the tone in Byron’s voice, I saw his brow twitch, as if something was brewing that he kept hidden under the surface of his calm. “Times change. He’s a steady shot. I’m not getting any younger, the added backup helps.” Jason eyed the bullet holes of Byron’s van before saying in a light tone, “We don’t all have your power of intimidation.” The words were only slightly biting, a tone to challenge the judgment. 

I pressed my lips together, silently disagreeing; Jason had been all too intimidating when we first met. Recalling how he had slammed me against the wall—his dark figure and his snarling voice—it was hard to compare that image with the man I now knew… but I couldn’t deny he had been frightening, that furious stranger.

Byron shook his head, the skepticism in his gaze seeming to fade as he smirked at Jason. “I can’t agree with you. I know better than to comment on your age. I may be younger, but your reflexes have always been faster… gave me a few good whallops to prove it back in the day.” He turned to climb back into the van, glancing over his shoulder as he said, “The kid must really be something for you to be doing this much for him. Give me a minute, Sarge, I’m sure I can find something that’ll work for your lucky cherry.”

Though I didn’t know what he meant, Byron’s tone seemed insulting. I leaned closer to Jason while Byron searched through cases on shelves that lined the inside of his van. “Seems like you two have a history,” I said, fighting to keep the bitterness out of my voice. 

Seeing them interact reminded me I didn’t know much about Jason’s past, and jealousy nagged at my thoughts. 

Grimacing, I tried to distract myself as I asked, “You’ve been teaching me to use your shotgun, why get me a rifle now?” 

Jason seemed stiff, as if he were surprised to find me mention the past. He blinked at me, unsmiling as he answered gruffly, “You’d make a good sniper. I’m solid with close combat, but I know you hate it. You have a real steady hand… and I think it’d make us a good team.” He chewed on his words, muttering as an afterthought, “While we’re together anyway. Then, when you’re on your own, you can stay safe in the lookout I’m making. Figured it’d be the most practical thing to teach you.” 

I pulled back, his words like a physical blow as my gaze dropped to the ground. While I knew our deal had been a temporary arrangement, the thought of Jason leaving was an agony I usually tried to avoid. My pride at earning my own guns was becoming his first step away from me… and it made my heart ache in the sudden silence between us.

The squeal of the van dropping broke through the quiet, and I backed away to allow Byron and Jason to talk. It was easier to remain silent, watching Jason take the rifle out of the case and look over it with critical eyes. I didn’t understand much of what they said—the technical terms were like a foreign language. Byron stepped back as Jason turned to aim down the street, looking through the sight; when he pulled the trigger, one of the warehouse’s windows shattered a hundred yards away, and he looked satisfied as he handed it to me.

I reached out hesitantly, a part of me wanting to turn it away if it meant Jason would stay with me longer. 

Swallowing, I took the gun, shocked at the feel of it in my hands. “It’s so light…” I whispered, unable to meet Jason’s gaze as I stared down at the slim weapon instead. I could feel his eyes on me, waiting for my reaction. “Feels good,” I said, nodding as I handed it back to him. 

Jason held his hand out to Byron, taking the weapon’s case to quickly show me how to pack the gun away before he gave it to me. 

I slung the strap over my shoulder, my chest strained as I muttered, “Thank you.” 

“You earned it,” Jason said, not meeting my gaze. Byron laid out several pistols for Jason to look over, checking and testing each one before he’d made his selection. Again, he passed me the gun, having me get a feel for it before I agreed. The weapon was lighter than Jason’s and easier to handle. He selected one of the harnesses Byron had set aside, resting it over his shoulder as he stepped closer to me. “I’ll be taking this back,” he murmured, reaching for my hip as he reclaimed the gun he’d leant me, placing it back in its place on his shoulder harness. 

Then, I watched as he sank down on his knees in front of me, his fine trousers getting smudged with dirt as his fingers found their way to the clasp of the harness at my hips. He undid it, pulling it smoothly off me before he began strapping the new leather belt around me and muttered, “Let me know if it’s too tight or heavy.” 

My hands trembled at my sides as I struggled against the urge to touch him, mind running rampant with other images of Jason on his knees. It was hard to concentrate on what he was actually doing—my breath sucked in sharply when I felt his knuckles brush my stomach as he clipped the buckle closed. 

Heat flooded my face, and I jerked my gaze away from Jason to find Byron staring at us with shock widening his dark eyes. Slowly, a smirk crossed his lips, and embarrassment flooded me as I knew what he must think of our relationship now.

“It fits fine,” I stammered, gently brushing Jason’s hands away from my hips so I could step back, removing myself from the dangerously tempting situation and trying to control my racing pulse. 

“Alright, looks like you’re all set then,” Jason said with a curt, approving nod. He seemed oblivious to my flustered appearance, saying with a sigh, “Well, I’ll finish up with Byron here. You can give that handgun a try. Test your aim and get a feel for it.” He glanced around the vicinity, wary as he said, “Stay close. Take Carrot with you. Gunshots might draw some unwanted attention so just…” he paused, looking at me hard as his brow furrowed slightly, “be careful.” 

“Yeah, I know. I’ll stay close enough for you to hear if I need you,” I answered quietly. I gave a soft whistle, patting my thigh in a command for Carrot to heel at my side; after a quick look for a nod of approval from Jason, the shepherd padded over to join me. 

She was perfectly in step with me as I turned away from the van, heading down the alley toward the street. I paused at the mouth of the alley, just at the edge of the road, glancing back to see Jason deep in conversation with Byron—no doubt paying for my new guns in murmured words.

Gritting my teeth, I dragged my gaze away from him and walked out into the street. He was right, I needed to practice—and idle imaginings of a different life with Jason wouldn’t do me any good. All that mattered was getting better and learning to properly defend myself, because eventually… I was going to find myself alone again.