Chapter 182 At Ease

    Chapter 182 At Ease

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    Sloane instantly held her breath, heart pounding, as faint footsteps and low voices echoed from the distance.

    “These two run like damn rabbits. When I catch them, I’m breaking both their legs,” came a rough, irritated voiceced with curses.

    “Shut it. The boss wants them dead or alive–preferably dead. Keep looking. They might be hiding in some nook nearby,” another voice said, low and cold.

    Sloane’s face turned grim. She silently drew the knife from her belt and gripped it tightly.

    A warm hand gently wrapped around hers. She looked up to find Lucas shaking his head at her. He leaned in close, voice barely audible against her ear. “Your arm’s still injured. Don’t do anything rash.”

    Pressed together behind a thick tree trunk, Lucas shielded her with his body. Both of them held their breath, their movements as quiet as possible.

    The footsteps drew closer, branches snapping underfoot with crisp cracks, each one like a strike against their chests.

    Sloane could feel Lucas’s heartbeat pounding just as fast as hers. His chest rose and fell rapidly, but the arms wrapped around her stayed steady and firm.

    “There’s nothing here. Stop wasting time. Let’s try the other side,” one of the men finally muttered, impatience clear in his tone.

    “Yeah, let’s check over there,” the other agreed.

    Their footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

    “They’re headed toward the cave,” Lucas whispered in her ear, his voice no louder than a breath.

    Sloane gave a small nod, unease flickering in her eyes.

    11:34 bSat/b, Sep b6 /b

    Chapter 182 At Ease

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    “Why didn’t you let me take them out just now?” she asked in a hushed tone. “Once they find the traces in the cave, it won’t take them long to figure out our direction.”

    Lucas slowly released her hand and exined, “Killing them would’ve been easy. But they’re all wearing trackers. If they die, whoever’s monitoring them will pinpoint the location right away.”

    Sloane nodded in agreement. “So what’s your n?”

    Lucas scanned the woods. “Wait here for a minute.”

    He drew a small de from his waist and silently disappeared down another path.

    Momentster, he returned, looking slightly more at ease. He leaned in. “I left a false trail down another route. They’ll think we went that way. Should buy us a little time to recover.”

    What he didn’t say was that he was especially worried about her injured arm. If she overexerted herself, it could leave long–term damage.

    Otherwise, he would’ve taken care of those two without hesitation.

    Lucas crouched in front of her. “I’ll carry you. It’s easier to move without leaving tracks if I’m the only one on the ground.”

    Sloane hesitated. She knew he was tired too, but in the end, she moved toward

    him.

    He lifted her effortlessly, muttering, “You’re way too light.”

    Arms looped around his neck, Sloane leaned against his back, feeling the strength in his shoulders and the sure–footed rhythm of his steps. A warmth spread quietly through her chest.

    “Lucas,” she murmured, “thank you.”

    He turned his head slightly, the corners of his lips tugging up. “Then maybe next time, don’t jab so hard with your needles.”

    Chapter 182 At Ease

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    Sloaneughed softly. “No can do. Treatment’s only effective if I go all in. Mr. Hawthorne, you’ll just have to bear it.”

    Lucas let out a light chuckle. “Yes, ma’am. Doctor’s orders.”

    Sloane didn’t say anything more. She gently rested her head on his shoulder, letting his warmth sink into her skin.

    They were still in danger, the woods around them full of hidden threats–but in this moment, carried on Lucas’s back, Sloane felt a rare and precious peace.

    Lucas moved quickly and quietly, carrying her with ease and making sure to avoid anything that could leave a trail. His eyes constantly swept the woods, always alert for danger.