Page 35 of Wanted

I couldn’t help but see a savior in Jordan. He was this unyielding presence in my life now, confident and commanding. Jordan could be mean and cold, but when he saw me weep in Kamila’s arms, he left us alone. He brought me food that Kamila cooked in Alex’s massive kitchen. I heard her music in my room under the covers, and she was in a kitchen that was three minutes away from me on foot. I could feel Jordan roam the hallway that led to my room.

Kamila didn’t grasp the severity of my situation. Or she was just trying to lighten the ever-ruined mood. For her, the neglect I’d suffered under my father seemed… normal. Sure, she was upset that my lady parts hadn’t been adequately protected. That was one thing that shocked her. But other than that? After enduring a rapist father, what would break Kamila?

Meanwhile, the rest of the household kept up with my sentiments.

Not even Alex smiled much these days, and it was tough to stomach that.

I didn’t leave my allocated room much. I remained underneath my covers, scooped up with a book or two. Not that I could focus on reading. My body hadn’t stopped hurting even after the doctor’s appointment.

Days had passed, and we still hadn’t heard back. And that meant bad news.

I was absolutely positive about that.

There was a light knock on my door. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” I responded, but, in all honesty, I preferred my solitude.

Kamila slid through the doorframe easily. She closed the door behind her. She tiptoed her way to my bed as if the walls would tell on her being in my room. “How are you today?”

I shrugged.

“Would you like some pancakes? Alex made them earlier. He had to leave for work early, but a pile of pancakes was waiting for us when I woke up. Do you want some peanut butter to go with it? Ice cream? Alex only has basic flavors like vanilla, but I’m sure I can work something out for you…”

“I’m scared,” I blurted out, and my body started shaking all over. Kamila moved fast, pulling me into her welcoming hug. “What is wrong with me?”

Jordan came into the room. I was absolutely sure he was watching us from somewhere. He dressed like a shadow of the night, and he would be intimidating under different circumstances. But he wasn’t to me.

He’d been the first face I’d seen after waking up in my new reality less than a week ago.

In a short amount of time, he’d done more for me than anyone had ever done before.

“Ladies.”

“Could you leave us alone, please?” Kamila quickly addressed him, and I sniffled in her embrace.

“I just wanted to let you know we’re target practicing outside. It’s a nice day, and it would go to waste if you two stayed curled up in here.” He offered this without any conditions. Stepping back, he gave us a curt nod before touching the door handle to make his way out.

“Okay,” I dared to say.

“What?” Kamila asked.

“Let’s go shoot some guns.”

Kamila murmured something into my hair that I couldn’t understand. Her hug got tighter and more urgent. Jordan watched our exchange patiently. Once we were ready to leave, he commented, “I didn’t think you’d actually come out today. Is it the guns or the weather?”

“Guns. I haven’t touched one in ages,” I revealed.

Kamila gasped.

“What do you know about guns, Mandy?” Jordan asked with a playful smile.

I shrugged. “You’ll find out soon.”

♥♠♥

“But I’ve never even touched a gun. Why do I need to learn how to shoot it? We don’t have that sort of stuff available for the public in Katantia,” Kamila argued, her hands crossed in front of her chest. Jordan brought us men’s winter coats, and we both looked hideous in the oversize fabric. But it kept us warm.

“Are you intending on returning to Katantia?” Jordan asked.