Edmund could feel Reo clinging to his back, fingers digging into the muscular flesh beneath his armor as the chaos unfolded around them. The sensation of Reo’s touch sent a shiver down Edmund’s spine, even as the destruction and death surrounding them demanded his full attention.
Hell yeah, this place is going to shit faster than a drunk marine on leave, Edmund thought grimly, his jaws clenching as he surveyed the unfolding carnage. But I ain’t got time to dwell on it, not when I’ve got a damn fool to keep alive.
“Couldn’t agree more, sugar,” Edmund rumbled, his deep voice carrying over the din of battle as he tore through the last of the terran lines with brutal efficiency. “But worry about that later. Right now, we need to get the fuck outta Dodge!”
As he spoke, Edmund reached back with his free hand, grasping Reo’s hip and pulling him flush against his back. He held the smaller man tightly, shielding him from the flying debris and the splatter of blood that painted the ground and walls.
I’ve got to get him to safety, got to keep him from seeing the worst of it. He doesn’t need to carry these fucking images in his head, not when I can protect him from it. Edmund’s thoughts raced, his mind working to plot their escape route even as he fought.
“There’s a hidden tunnel, just up ahead,” Edmund growled, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of danger. “I scouted it out earlier, as a backup plan if things went south. It leads to a hidden cave system, safe from the fighting… and from prying eyes.”
It’ll be the perfect chance to finally get Reo alone, to show him how much he means to me. A secret, hidden part of Edmund mused, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of having Reo to himself, away from the horrors of war.
“Stick close, keep your head down, and don’t you fucking dare let go of me, ya hear?” Edmund commanded, his voice rough with emotion and the adrenaline of battle. “We’re almost outta this shitstorm!”
