Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1) (23 page)

“I love you.” His words plummeted my heart, sending it shattering to the ground. Oh God. How could he say that now? How could he release that into the air between us, knowing it would lodge in my heart? Why Mal, why? I met his eyes in a panic, tears glistening.

Mal acted before I could respond. He stood and placed his hands on either side of my face and kissed me gently, his lips soft and loving, drawing the breath from my body at the tender way he held me. His forehead leaned against mine as he took a ragged breath. “You needed to know.”

He left me, his arms squeezing my shoulders, before he walked back into the living room and went to sleep on the couch. Stunned, I stood there for another minute and then went back upstairs. It was a long time before I finally fell asleep.

The next morning Mal was up before either of us. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the air and made my mouth water. Alec and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Mal and then he left for work. The afternoon passed quickly. When Alec came home for lunch, the guys grilled out back and shared a few beers. I fell asleep on the couch watching them.

To pass the time Mal and I played cards, and worked on a puzzle, similar to how we would pass time before I left with Alec. There wasn’t a lot of conversation but Mal and I were close enough that it never bothered us. Not once did either of us mention last night. I doubted we ever would.

The Tap was crowded, only two tables had space available. I slid into the booth after Alec, scooting over for Mal. They flanked me on either side. With humor I glanced at Donnovan across the table and he smiled.

“Who’s your friend?” He asked, suspicious.

“Mal, this is Donnovan. Donnovan this is Malcolm,” I introduced, glancing between them.

Donnovan shot out his hand, and Mal shook it.

“Call me Slug. Everyone else will. Except Lizzie,” he replied, winking at me.

The waitress came over to our table and rolled her eyes. Apparently she was the same one from last time and she was not happy to see us again.

“What’ll it be?” She asked, staring at Mal.

He grinned. “Rum and Coke, thanks.”

“Lemonade,” I answered.

She rolled her eyes again. I couldn’t catch a break even when I was pregnant?

“Snakebite,” Donnovan told her, frowning.

She smiled sweetly at Alec and bent over, showing some cleavage. This time I rolled my eyes at her.

His eyes, to his credit, never left her face. “Stinger.”

“You got it sweetie.” She left, swishing her hips provocatively.

Shaking my head, I hid my laugh with a cough. Some girls try way too hard.

“So…” Donnovan began.

Alec shook his head and nodded to the waitress. We waited for her to return and then resumed our meeting.

“All right then, let’s get started,” I nodded at Mal.

Alec sat up straight, looking pointedly at Donnovan. “Slug is willing to hear your story.”

“I hope so.”

I smiled at Donnovan reassuringly. “Go ahead. Tell him everything.”

Donnovan repeated the entire story from start to finish, not leaving a single detail out. He was looking to convince Mal of his need to flee the militia and he did not disappoint. His voice caught several times and he paused, but managed to continue until the tale was finished.

Mal’s only response was an occasional nod and glance at me. Once he looked incredibly angry when Donnovan mentioned how he had attacked me at the townhouse. I had to take his hand and squeeze it to get him to calm down.

At the end of his story Donnovan finally leaned back and sighed. “So you can see why I need to leave here as soon as possible.”

Mal looked at Alec. “What do you think of all of this?”

Alec smiled grimly. “He’s right about one thing. Donnovan can’t stay here. His life is in great danger.”

Mal nodded. “I understand that. I’m just not sure that joining the refugees is the right place for him.”

I understood Mal’s hesitation. He was putting everyone at the refugee camp at risk. What if Donnovan went crazy? Or was spying for the militia? He could be capable of anything.

Mal turned to me. “Do you trust him Lizzie? With the lives of our people? Because that’s exactly what he is asking.”

“I know,” I sighed, “I honestly have to say that I want to trust him but I’m not one hundred percent sure. I’m not a hundred percent sure about most people Mal. There are few that I trust.”

He frowned. “I don’t know if I can bring him to camp, lie about who he really is, and hope that he doesn’t do something that hurts people or puts them at risk.”

Donnovan snorted. “I’m not going to hurt anybody. Do you think I’m stupid? I know you will kill me just as easily as the militia. I’m not asking you to trust me, not yet, but consider this: I have militia secrets and knowledge. I’m offering a fair trade. Give me sanctuary and I will help the refugees in any way that I can.”

Mal sat back and pondered his offer. “I make no promises. This is a day by day situation. As long as you hold to your end of the bargain, I will hold to mine.”

Donnovan nodded, clearly pleased.

“I want your word Donnovan.”

Donnovan sat up and looked straight into his eyes. “You have my word. I will not harm anyone at the refugee camp and I promise to do everything I can to help the refugee cause.”

Mal leaned forward, his arms resting on the table. “Good because if you don’t, I’ll be the one who deals with you.”

He might be tall and lanky but Mal was a powerhouse. His arms were muscular and covered in tattoos. He had the physique of a runner. Fast and agile.

Fear flickered momentarily in Donnovan’s eyes and then disappeared. “You won’t regret it.”

“I already am. But Lizzie asked. That’s the only reason I am saying yes. You owe her a debt.”

Donnovan glanced at me, then at Alec. “I know and I’m grateful.”

Alec grinned. “I guess we need to figure out the specifics.”

I quickly agreed. “What are you going to say to Darren?”

Mal shook his head. “I’m not sure. I can’t very well say I was here. He would come for you Lizzie and I won’t allow that.”

“Neither will I.” Alec promised.

Donnovan spoke up. “The best lie is the one that is closest to the truth. Tell him I escaped from the militia. I was tortured and fled to join the refugees. You found me injured on the road and agreed to let me speak to your leader.”

Mal raised an eyebrow. “And if he doesn’t believe you? Or decides you are lying?”

“I don’t have much of a choice Slug. The sooner I meet him, the safer I will be. If he decides I’m not worth the risk then you have nothing to worry about. All you have to do is introduce us.”

Mal took a deep breath. “He may kill you.”

I gasped. “Would he really?”

Mal put his arm around me. “You know Darren better than anyone Lizzie. You know what he is capable of.”

He was right. I knew. “You had better be convincing.”

I shuddered at the thought of Darren torturing him for information. No one deserved that.

Donnovan nodded. “Yes, and that’s why Mal is going to beat me up.”

I stared at him, shocked. “Excuse me?”

Mal looked surprised, laughing under his breath. “I didn’t see that coming.”

Donnovan chuckled. “I need to look the part. Don’t worry. A few bruises are a far less punishment that what the militia would do to me.”

Alec looked at Donnovan, concern on his face. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes, Alec. This is on my terms. At least this way I have some control over my life. The militia will never harm me again. I’ll kill myself first,” he promised.

I knew how Donnovan felt. When my mother and sister died the feeling of helplessness and loss of control almost killed me. Joining the refugees had given me control of my life back. It had given me purpose. I hoped it would do the same for him.

Alec nodded grimly. “Be careful Don.”

He grinned. “I always look out for number one.”

Mal’s eyes filled with a small amount of respect. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“When will you leave?” I asked, worried for them both.

“Tomorrow morning. We need to be there when Darren returns.”

Mal squeezed my hand. He knew what I was thinking. It must have shown on my face.

“I thought you were staying another day,” I reminded him, disappointed.

“It’s for the best Lizzie,” he answered softly.

“Of course. I’ll take you after Alec leaves for work,” I offered.

Alec stiffened next to me. “I’m calling in sick. There’s no way I am leaving you vulnerable or alone.”

I sighed. “I’m capable of driving Alec.”

“I know Lizzie but I would feel much better if I was with you. Please,” he pleaded.

I conceded, too tired to argue. I would not win anyway. “All right.”

“He’s right Lizzie. You should not be alone, not now,” Mal agreed, glancing at my belly.

I didn’t bother getting irritated but I was going to be supremely happy when I was not coddled so much and the baby was born.

“Well…I’m hungry. Who wants a burger?” I asked, patting my stomach.

Alec and Mal grinned and Donnovan laughed.

“Waitress!” All three of them called at once.

I dissolved into a fit of giggles and shook my head.

“You know, there’s one thing you both haven’t discussed with me yet.” Mal leaned back on the couch after we came home from the tavern.

“What’s that?” Alec asked, reaching into the fridge for a cold beer. “Want one Mal?”

“Yep,” he answered, catching it as Alec tossed it to him. “When are you leaving?”

I shrugged and glanced at my husband. “He has the answers.”

“I haven’t made that decision yet,” Alec admitted.

Mal glanced at my belly. “Your son is coming. Shouldn’t that be a priority?”

Alec blinked, looking slightly taken aback. “Yes, of course it is Mal. It’s just not that simple. I’m making progress with the militia.”

“What kind of progress?”

“The kind where I get close to Haden.”

I gasped and shot a look at Alec. “Close to Haden for what?”

Alec made a throat cutting gesture and Mal grinned. I shook my head, instantly irritated and angry. “When were you going to talk to me about it?”

Alec refused to meet my eyes. “When I needed to.”

“What?” I screeched, standing and putting my hands on my hips.

“Now Lizzie…” Alec tried to downplay his lack of communication.

Mal laughed. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t tell you because of that reaction.”

I shot him a glare. “You’re not helping.”

Alec grinned back at him. “Mal has a point.”

“Only because he agrees with you.” I brushed the stray hair out of my eyes. “You two are ridiculous.”

Mal smirked. “Yes, that is most assuredly true.” He gestured to the empty bottle as he drained it. “Especially because after three beers and two drinks at the tavern, I’m…feeling pretty damn good.”

Alec laughed so hard he almost unseated himself. “I’m feeling pretty damn good too.”

I rolled my eyes. “Dear Lord, the both of you, at the same time?”

Alec pulled me down on to his lap gently and kissed me, his hand resting on my stomach. “You know how much I love you.”

“Sweet words won’t help.” I replied stiffly but I lay my head on his chest and yawned.

“Go to sleep my darling wife. I’ll take you up later.”

Alec’s snoring woke me up. I didn’t have the heart to shake him or roll him over. I grabbed my robe and tiptoed down the stairs, walking past a sleeping Mal, sprawled out on the couch, and into the kitchen. I drank a glass of water and walked back into the living room, glancing out the window.

I sensed when I was no longer alone. Mal had awakened. Alec’s low snores were trickling down the staircase.

“Lizzie.” I felt his arms on my shoulders.

“I can’t Mal.”

“I know,” he whispered, “I won’t kiss you.”

I turned around and lay my head against his chest. His arms held me tightly against him, for so long I wondered if we would ever move at all.

Mal tilted my chin up so he could see my eyes.

“I don’t like that you’re in danger.”

“I know.” I sighed.

“Come to me.” His eyes pleaded with mine. “If anything happens, contact me. I’ll protect you.”

“I don’t know Mal.”

“If something happens to Alec promise me you will go to our bench and meet me, leave me a letter, anything. I’ll check it every day.”

“All right,” I promised.

Mal’s eyes lowered to my lips and back again. “Thank you.”

“I’m sorry Mal.”

“For what Lizzie?”

“For not being able to give you what you want.”

“Oh sweetheart, is that what worries you?”

I nodded. “Please don’t be angry with me.”

“Never,” he whispered, placing his hands on my face. “I could never be angry with you.”

“Promise?” I asked, searching his eyes.

“Yes.” His eyes darted to my lips again. “Go to bed Lizzie, go to bed now, because I can’t deny my desires any longer.”

“Ok.” I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Good night Mal.”

“Good night…” He answered. “…my love.” The last part I barely heard on my way up the stairs.

Alec called in sick the next morning and we left early, before sunrise. Donnovan was planning on sneaking out of the base and meeting us at the bunker outside the gates. It was the same bunker we used to borrow the car. Only this time I had my own car. Black as sin and shiny with a sunroof. I loved it the moment he brought it home.

It was a necessity with all of the plans we made. We needed a car of our own. Alec bought it after work and led me outside, surprising me. He said we might as well have a getaway car, especially with the baby coming soon. No argument from me.

Alec and Mal decided to join Donnovan so it would appear I was leaving on my own to visit a friend. I approached the front gates of the militia base with the engine purring, half wishing I could step on the gas and blow past them, but knowing it would only cause chaos. Darn it. Was I always denied the ability to have a little fun?