Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1) by Nikki Landis Page A

that.
    “As you wish. Let me know if there is anything you need.”
    I sighed. I hoped he would keep his word. There was something else I wanted to say.
    “Darren…” I wanted to thank him but I felt a little awkward.
    He got up and sat next to me on the bed. How did I thank him without giving him the wrong idea?
    “What is it Lizzie?” He asked me softly.
    “I want you to know how much I appreciate…how thoughtful it was of you to take care of me. Thank you.”
    He leaned close to me. “It was my pleasure. You’re welcome.”
    I stared into his eyes, a vivid deep blue, and remembered Alec. Only steel gray eyes should stare at me that way. I looked away suddenly, feeling unsure.
    “Lizzie, look at me…” He commanded gently.
    I sighed, turning his direction when his lips suddenly met mine. Surprise kept me from moving. I thought he would pull back but instead he leaned in and kissed me deeper. Too late. Darren was already cashing in and I felt somewhat trapped by the overture. I leaned back in surprise. He smiled, a small blush lighting his cheeks.
    “You know me by now Lizzie. I’m not a charity house. I don’t give things away freely. That goes for my heart too. We have known each other and been fighting side by side for three years now. If you haven’t discerned my feelings for you before now…you aren’t as observant as I give you credit for,” he told me, searching.
    He was right. I had noticed. The signals were so light that I convinced myself they weren’t there to begin with. It was a lie. A lie I had wanted to believe.
    “I guess I did notice but…I wasn’t certain. I mean…we are at war Darren.”
    He nodded. “I know. That’s what I am saying Lizzie. Life is too short. We could both die any day. We don’t know how much time we have left. Shouldn’t we make the most of it together?”
    “What are you saying?” I asked, surprised again.
    Darren leaned forward again, looking into my eyes. He took my hands in his and cleared his throat.
    “Lizzie…I love you,” he told me, softly and sincerely.
    I opened my mouth, shocked. Darren loved me? When did that happen?
    “I…when? You love me?” I sounded like an idiot.
    “Why are you surprised? You are beautiful and smart and an excellent fighter. I’ve loved you a long time now. Why does it matter? Are you upset by this?” He asked, doubt on his face for the first time.
    I shook my head. I wasn’t upset. I cared for Darren. I just never entertained the idea of loving anyone. Not during war. Not during my bloodlust for vengeance. Now within a week, Alec shows back up in my life and Darren declares that he loves me.
    Everything was suddenly complicated where it had been so simple before. I only had to survive and think of myself. One moment at a time. Day by day. I only had to focus on war and my promise. Just revenge. Destroying my enemy. It wasn’t going to be that easy now.
    “Darren, I’m not upset. I care deeply for you too. I’m just surprised. I prepared myself for war…vengeance…and nothing else. This is a lot for me to handle at the moment.”
    He grinned widely at me. “You love me too. I know you do but I won’t make you say it until you are ready. I’ll give you time, whatever you need. But I want you to stay, with me, here. I want to be with you Lizzie.”
    He leaned in to kiss me again but I shook my head. I needed time. He pulled me close, holding me tightly against his chest, his embrace stronger than needed but not unpleasant. I went to bed an hour later, promising him I would consider his request and let him know when I made my decision. Lost in thought, it took a long time to fall asleep that night. I finally managed to doze off, snuggled beneath the covers, with Darren’s eyes penetrating my back.
    I awakened once in the middle of the night. Eerie quiet had descended inside the camp. Darren was standing by the bed. I opened my mouth to ask him what was going on when he quickly slid in next to me, put his