DISCIPLINE✔ (DSD SERIES, BOOK THREE)

Massive Attack (Prt 2)

It didn't take long for us to go through the maze of halls. Dylan knew the layout like the back of his hand and within two minutes we find ourselves at the vent that leads to the underground garage.

Dylan kneels, grabbing the metal covering and pulls. The sound of the covering lifting resonates down the empty hall. He removes it completely, placing it next to the opening before gesturing for me to kneel beside him.

"I'm going down first when I whistle two times you follow," he says as I kneel next to him. "Clear?"

I nod and he places his hands on either side of the opening, pushing his feet through and slowly lowering the rest of his body. He lands below in a crouch with a soft thud, I look down to be greeted by darkness. Dylan's body is dimly illuminated by the light in the hallway but the rest of the room is almost pitch black.

He moves forward away from my view and my heart pounds against my chest. What if the men finally got into the hall? How long do I have until they find me? And who's to say the enemy isn't below?

If he hurts Dylan... I don't know what I'll do...

My thoughts are silenced as I hear thuds, grunts and sharp cries below. My heart doesn't slow its pace, my fear rising and I find myself worrying for Dylan. Minutes pass but to me, it feels like hours, sweat beads my forehead and my breath is heavy.

What's taking him so long–?

The garage is suddenly basked with light but it's still silent... Two sharp whistles break the silence, scaring me and I nearly fall headfirst down the opening. I catch myself, my hand flying to my chest.

Two more whistles fill the air and I shake away my fear. I place my hands on either side of the opening, pushing my legs through. I slowly lower myself my arms burning from the effort, this is due to my lack of upper body strength.

Suddenly something grabs my legs and I jut, my hands releasing their hold. A sharp cry escapes my lips as I fall but instead of crashing to the floor, I fall into someone's arms.

"Hello, again Ms. Blake."

I open my eyes— that I just notice I'd closed— to look at the dark-haired gentleman. Raphael.

"It's good to see you're in one piece ma'am," he states before gently placing me on my feet.

"Thanks," I say flashing him an appreciative smile.

He nods before gesturing for me to follow him. He leads me around a corner and towards Dylan and one of the men who accompanied Raphael on his task.

If I remember correctly he went with three men...

"Good, you're finally here," Dylan states leaning forward onto the hood of a Ford Explorer, an open map spread on the shiny, black surface.

He straightens up, looking at me before tilting his head. "I said you were to follow after two whistles... Did you not hear the first two?"

"They caught me off guard and I nearly fell through the vent," I say not meeting his eyes.

When I look up he's closer, those beautiful eyes assessing me. "Did you hurt yourself? Is your arm okay also?"

He's silent waiting for my reply and I shake my head. "No, I didn't hurt myself and it has stopped bleeding, it's just a scratch."

He nods, before returning to the Ford and continuing to study the map. "As I was saying, we'll be heading to Fountain Valley."

Raphael moves to stand beside him and I follow suit, watching as he points to the word Fountain Valley on the map.

"It's fifteen minutes or less from here. Its population is 56, give or take," he states before showing us the route we're to take to reach our destination and explaining the game plan. "We need to split up as soon as we're in the town. I'll take Indiana to a safe house within the area."