Page 128 of Depths of Destruction

"Thank you."

"I hope you feel better soon." She smiles and leaves.

Andre sits on the bed next to me. "I'm sorry I let this happen to you."

"This wasn't your fault."

"I didn't protect you."

I stroke his cheek. "You couldn't have done anything," I insist, not wanting him to feel any guilt or responsibility for Santiago's actions.

His face hardens and voice lowers. "I'm going to make him pay."

"Don't leave me," I cry out and grab his arm, scared of being without him and not sure who this needy woman I sound like is right now, but unable to control her.

He caresses my hair. "I'm not. I promise."

Knock. Knock. Knock.

We turn, and a man in all black, who was at the helicopter when we got out, stands in the doorway.

"Kalim," Andre flatly states, and his body stiffens.

"Can we talk in private?"

"Whatever you have to say, do it in front of Naomi."

Kalim raises his eyebrows.

Andre tugs me closer to him.

Kalim sighs then shuts the door. "Ma'am. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes. Thank you."

His smile is warm and genuine. "I'm glad to hear that." He hands me a plastic bag. "I bought some clothes for you in the gift shop."

"Thank you."

Kalim throws Andre's backpack on the bed next to him. He pulls up a chair.

"Where did you get this?"

"The guys found it in the SUV that trailed the truck."

"Thanks."

Uncomfortable silence fills the room for several minutes. Neither Andre or Kalim flinch or even blink.

Andre shifts first and scowls. "Are you giving me my bag to help me, or are you still pissed I tried to protect you?"

"You should have told me. You left six of us with shot-out tires in a jungle."

"I didn't instruct Hunter to open fire on you."

"He's always been a hothead."

Andre snorts. "Might be true, but I heard you didn't take the news too well."