Page 42 of Haze of Obedience

8

Zoe

Dirk comesinto the tent and says, "We're leaving after Malin and Emilia."

"What do you mean?" I fold the T-shirt I wore the night before that is now dry.

"We need to leave camp. We aren't telling the other guys who are securing the perimeter. It's best we go in pairs. Groups are more dangerous. Any questions?"

I'm going to be alone with him?

"Ummm..."

He raises his eyebrows.

Why is he so good looking?

"You don't want to go back to Mexico, correct?"

"No. I don't."

"Then we're leaving."

My heart beats faster.

His eyes flicker. "Zoe, is something wrong?"

Yeah. There's no safety in numbers if I leave with you by myself.

"No. All good."

"Okay. Did you get the pair of shoes we bought earlier?"

"You aren't going to give me a piggyback ride the entire way?" He gave me one to the river and back. All the other girls took one, so I wasn't worried about it.

But then I smelled his intoxicating scent there and back. The river current flowed faster than this morning, so I clung to his hard body and inhaled him some more. His lips were only inches from mine during our swim. Now my insides are Jell-O again.

Why are you flirting with him?

Knock it off.

"You can have as many as you want." He winks, and flutters take off in my stomach. "But I still want you to put your socks and shoes on."

"Yes, boss." I give him a little salute and do as he says.

Andre and Naomi leave, then Malin and Emilia.

Dirk and I say our goodbyes and my flutters multiply.

Dirk fist bumps Hunter then turns to me. "Ready, my Little Diva?"

I snort and try not to smile. "As ready as ever, country boy."

"Are you two going to kill each other? I'm a little worried about you being in the woods alone," Vanessa comments.

"I'm good. Are you good?" I ask Dirk.

"I'm always good," he smirks.