Page 28 of Covert Mission

“Noted.”

ChapterNine

An acrid smell stings my nose. The foul scent of burnt plastic and singed rubber hangs in the air as we approach the village.

It’s a nauseating smell that doesn’t belong here, violating the flora and fauna of the rainforest.

I scrunch my nose against the odor. “I can’t believe how bad it smells.”

“Car fires are very toxic. Paint. Plastics of all kinds. You name it.”

I shudder. “Gross. Why would anyone burn our truck?”

Beast’s hand moves from my arm to my back, causing a shiver to hit my spine. “It’s a threat.”

“Because I escaped contact with them?”

His fingers stiffen against my back. “Yes. You got away and spoiled their fun.”

That makes me want to throw up. “Do you think they’ll come back?”

“Yes.”

Ugh.

Beast glides his hand up and down on my back. “Sorry, but it’s the truth.”

That hand is big. Comforting and very powerful against me.

It’s so not smart to like this. How can I even be thinking about how good his touch feels? My truck is on fire!

I have to keep my focus, and letting Beast’s overtly sexy body seduce me isn’t in that plan.

I’m more steady on my feet, but Beast keeps his protective hand resting on my lower back all across the opening, and down the second trail. He doesn’t budge from my side.

Admittedly, it’s a nice gesture. I might even thank him if I wasn’t getting more upset by the step.

When we emerge from the trail, everyone looks our way. They search my face for my reaction. Which I’m barely able to control. I bite my lip to lock the angry roar.

God. My eyes sting with frustrated tears. Why?

Someone extinguished the fire. The rear cargo area is scorched.

“Looks like they threw something inside the cab too,” Beast remarks tersely. The inside of the cab looks charred too. There’s even bubbled paint around the passenger door.

“My day just went to hell.” I correct myself, “Deeper hell.”

After Beast excuses himself with the promise he’ll be right back, I stand staring for a long while.

Crap. Crap.Craaaaap.

If this truck is totaled, we’re going to have to fly two members of our team to our home base or rent another vehicle. Hopefully, we’ll give enough of the cargo away we won’t have to deal with that.

I’m lost in thought when Beast stalks over from where he’s been talking with his team. “Evan thinks the truck is dead.”

“Oh, my god. I was just thinking about what a hassle that’s going to be,” I grumble as I rub my temple. “This is terrible?—”

Beast reaches for me and squeezes my shoulder. “It could be worse.”