Page 102 of Afflicted

“This is none of your business,” Ryan snapped.

“Don't make her ask you twice,” Lincoln growled as he moved to my side. The threat in his voice was clear and I felt the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

“Fine.” Ryan released me and I pulled my arm away. “Just forget this conversation Kaitlyn, we’ll talk about it when we're safe in the city and you've had time to calm down. You don't know where your head’s at at the moment so don't worry about it.” He stepped forward and pressed a kiss to my forehead before I could pull away then turned and left us.

“What was that about?” Lincoln asked, scowling over his shoulder at Ryan’s back.

“I just…” I couldn't tell him that I'd ended things with Ryan; he'd think it was because of him. Which it wasn't. At least not in the way he would think. I didn't expect anything from Lincoln and I definitely hadn't broken up with Ryan so that I could pursue something with him. Ryan and I weren't suited and that was all there was to it. The almost-kiss with Linc just confirmed that for me. I'd never been drawn to Ryan like I was to Lincoln.

“You just…?” Lincoln prompted.

“We just need to get going.” I flashed him a smile. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah. Who’s coming with us?”

“About that…” I glanced behind him and pulled him further away from the front door to make sure we weren't overheard. “Lacey is coming with us and we're going to stop at her house on the way.” I hurried on before he could object. “She's my best friend and her house is literally on the way to the city so we will be driving right past it anyway. It's not up for negotiation.”

“Okay.” He smiled as he turned away and started heading for his truck.

I hurried after him, trying to understand how I'd won the argument so quickly. “That's it?” I asked. “Okay? Just like that?”

“Just like that. You said it wasn't up for negotiation.”

“It's not,” I agreed. “That's that then.”

“That's that,” Lincoln agreed, smirking at my confusion.

Our friends had gathered outside the truck and most of them looked ready to leave.

“Thanks for your help,” Spencer said, offering his hand to Lincoln.

“Any time. Just look after yourselves and head for the city as soon as you can.” Linc said as he shook.

“Where's that gun you promised me?” Demi asked rudely.

“Well I offered it to you while I thought you were staying with me. I can't start arming random civilians though. Sorry Debbie,” he replied.

Demi’s nostrils flared and she spun away, stalking down the street without another word.

“I guess that's our cue to leave,” Spencer said. “Will you look after Tommy?”

“They'll be able to treat him properly in the city,” Lincoln confirmed. “I'll get him there.”

“He lives on my block, I'll check in on his family and tell them where he is if they're there,” Ella added.

I stepped forward to embrace Ella, Chloe, Kristen and Tara who flinched at my touch. We murmured farewells and I jumped into the truck bed before I had to face Ryan.

Lacey, Rose and Shilo climbed up behind me and the sound of pounding feet drew my attention back to the street.

Reese and Jason ran towards us, calling goodbyes to the others as they raced to join us.

Jason jumped into the back with us while Reese climbed in the cab.

“Were your family not home?” I asked Jason as he caught his breath.

“No. I'm pretty sure they're in the city. They would have been there yesterday anyway,” he replied, his cheeks flaming.

Lincoln leant over the side of the truck and rummaged in his pack before retrieving a pistol. He held it out to me and I fought the urge to recoil.