Chapter 45
"SD, you and Miss V are to release the president's daughter and Jake while we suppress enemy fire," the colonel barked with the crisp authority of a man who'd seen too many wars to entertain objections. His voice cut through the heavy tension like a blade, sharp and commanding. He glanced up from the operation map spread out over a worn-out ammo crate and fixed his eyes on me—then Vera.
My heart sank like a stone in water.
"What?!" I burst out, unable to filter my mouth. "Can I change partners, please?"
The words were out before I could reel them back. A few heads turned. The camp had gone quiet.
I felt the heat of Vera's glare before I even turned to face her. She stood with arms crossed, her mouth pulled into a knowing smirk, the kind that screamed I knew you'd break. Her sleek ponytail, combat-ready posture, and too-perfect-for-the-field lipstick didn't help the intimidation factor either.
The colonel didn't flinch. Didn't blink. Didn't even look up again.
