Page 54 of Depths of Destruction

"I've been working on my story. A few days ago, the Colombian cartel kidnapped me and—"

"Oh my God! Naomi, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. But they're looking for me."

"The cartel?"

"Yes, and others. It's a long story, but I can't go back, and I can't stay in Belize right now."

"Why not?"

"I'll tell you, but can we go inside?"

"Yes, of course. Let's go." He puts his arm around me.

I freeze. "Okay. But there's something else I need to tell you first." The knot in my throat grows. I try to swallow it, but it doesn't move.

"What is it?"

"I'm... I'm not here alone."

"Who are you here with?"

"The man who rescued me."

His eyes turn to slits. "And?"

Tell him and be done with it.

"And we're together."

He removes his arm from me and the only sound is the waves hitting the shore.

Darien looks at the sky then back at me. His face grows redder by the second. He barks, "You were kidnapped a few days ago?"

"Yes."

"And you've gotten into a relationship with the man who saved you since then?"

My pulse throbs in my veins. "Yes."

He folds his arms over his chest and turns toward the water.

I put my hand on his arm. "Darien, I'm—"

He turns back. His face hardens. "It's fine. Let's go inside."

"Darien—"

"Let's not, Naomi." His eyes drill into mine. "Come inside. Tell me what I can do to help you."

"Darien—"

"Don't," he growls.

I release a nervous breath. I feel horrible I'm hurting him.

"What's his name?"