Page 67 of Dark Seduction
They line up, ready to force the doors open, their expressions set with determination.
Lev and the group of determined men brace themselves, launching into the door with full force. The first attempt makes the door buckle but it stubbornly holds. They regather themselves and slam into it again and again, their efforts marked by grunts of exertion and the loud bangs of impact.
Finally, after several intense tries, the towering doors give way, crashing off their hinges and landing with a resounding crash.
From somewhere amidst the chaos, Luk’s voice rises, urging everyone to stay calm. I can feel the edge of panic nibbling at me, threatening to overwhelm me.
Reacting instinctively, I rush to Lev’s side, keeping my body low to avoid the worst of the smoke. He puts an arm around me, steadying us both as we move.
Lev takes the lead, guiding us with a commanding voice through the smoke-filled entranceway. His presence is reassuring, a steady force as we navigate. Finally, we emerge into the safety of the outdoors, and I take a deep breath of fresh air, filling my lungs with it gratefully.
As the fire starts tearing through the church, the blaring sirens quickly follow. Firefighters jump into action, hoses in hand, battling the flames that dared to ruin our day.
"Are you okay?" lev asks, scanning me from head to toe.
"My chest feels a bit tight from the smoke, but I think I’m okay.”
Suddenly, a car pulls up fast into the lot, and out hop Vladimir and Vanya, both looking like they just dodged the apocalypse.
I watch their faces drop as they take in the chaotic scene—fire trucks, water hoses, ambulances, and us standing in the middle of it all.
Suddenly an EMT is at my side. "Let's get you checked out," he insists, leading me away from the group.
As the EMT does his thing, checking my vitals and making sure I'm not in any immediate medical danger, I can't help but glance back at the church, the water dousing what's left of the flames.
Chapter 29
Lev
As I watch the last of the flames being extinguished, rage courses through me.
The firefighters are reigning it in, their efficiency a small comfort compared to the ruin of the church—a place that was supposed to witness our joy, now a charred and soaked mess.
I scan the crowd, my eyes darting from face to face. Relief tempers the anger slightly; everyone seems to have made it out, though not unscathed. EMTs are busy tending to burns and cases of smoke inhalation, their presence a grim reminder of how close we came to tragedy.
I rush over to Dalia, who's sitting on a gurney inside an ambulance. Her face is pale but composed and seeing her there, seemingly unharmed, reignites my focus.
"Are you sure you’re okay?”
She nods, giving me a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Lev, really."
I turn to the EMT. "She's pregnant. Are you sure everything's fine?"
The EMT, a young guy with a calm demeanor, meets my gaze steadily.
"Her lungs sound clear," he says. "But she really should be checked out at the hospital, just to be certain."
I find Dalia's hand, squeezing it lightly. "Okay, let’s go."
Dalia holds up her other hand. “You make sure everyone else is alright first then meet me at the hospital, okay? I need to know no one is seriously hurt.”
I shake my head. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. The EMTs will take good care of me.”
“Okay. I’ll be right behind you.”
I lean in and give Dalia a quick but intense kiss. "I’ll see you soon," I promise as I reluctantly release her hand.