Page 67 of Haze of Obedience

11

Dirk

"Wake up, my Little Diva,"I gently stroke Zoe's cheek. She fell asleep in my arms a few hours ago. It's around 3 a.m., and the rain finally stopped.

For the last few hours, a tornado of anger has destroyed my soul. The faces of those who have hurt her are etched in my thoughts. I've met the President and Prime Minister. Torres, I only know from photos. But all of them are cold, callous men I had no respect for before my conversation with Zoe. Hearing her tell me they raped her, sends a level of hatred so deep within me, I'm not sure what to do with it.

The limited information she told me about the Global Leaders and their involvement in the drug war and entertainment industry I haven't even begun to wrap my mind around.

All I can do is hold Zoe while she sleeps. I want to help her, but I'm not sure how. And I kick myself for putting her in any sexual position after everything they forced her to do.

She stirs, and her eyelids flutter.

"The rain stopped. We should keep driving."

"Oh. Sorry." She sits up.

"No apology needed. I'm glad you got some sleep. I'll get the blanket out, and you can sleep more in the back if you want or up here."

"I'll stay up here."

"Okay."

She doesn't move and bites her lip.

"Something wrong?"

"I'm... I'm sorry about what I did...yesterday morning."

"We're okay, Zoe. Forget about it."

"But—"

I put my finger over her mouth. "You and I are good."

She takes a deep breath and releases it.

"Really. Now get comfy and go back to sleep."

She gives me a little salute and crawls back to the passenger seat.

I pull the blanket out of the rucksack and place it on her. "Put your seat down so you can sleep."

"I thought you said I was bossy."

"You are."

"So are you."

"Plus, I'm always right." I wink.

"Ha!"

I start the car and move the SUV into drive. The road is bumpy and gets rougher the farther we go.

"Where is your favorite place on Earth?" she asks.

Wherever you are.