Midnight Surrender (Freedom Fighters Series Book 2) by Nikki Landis Page A

my thoughts and my mind. After a few minutes I looked over at Mal and realized he was watching me. His face was thoughtful. I smiled at him softly.
    “I’m glad you are with us. I can’t think of anyone I trust more to keep us safe in Alec’s absence,” I told him.
    He grinned at me sheepishly. “I’ve watched over you since the day I met you Lizzie.”
    “I know. It means more to me than I could possibly say to you. We’re in so much danger. I’m scared to death Mal.”
    Benjamin finished eating and I burped him. I changed his diaper with Mal’s help and put him back in the car seat. He slid next to me when I sat back and tilted my chin up to look into his eyes.
    “I know you are scared. I know things are uncertain right now but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep the two of you safe. Please try not to worry Lizzie. I don’t like to see you upset.”
    His voice broke a little. I knew he meant it.
    “I know Mal. Thank you,” I whispered.
    He slid back over and resumed the ride until we reached our destination. Mal exited the jeep cautiously and left to check the perimeter. When he was satisfied that it was safe, he led me inside. It was a much smaller bunker than the one we were in before but it served our purpose.
    He entered the necessary codes that Alec supplied him with and the whole building came alive with lights and power. I saw him turn on a computer and he started clicking away until the lights dimmed. I realized he was turning on only the reserve power. It wasn’t like we needed much. Just enough to cook, shower, and stay warm.
    He took my hand again when he was finished and led me down a passageway until we turned into a large bedroom suite. I sat on the edge of the bed and lay little Benjamin down next to me.
    “I’m going to bring in our supplies and hide the jeep. I may be busy for a little while. Why don’t you get some rest?” He offered.
    “I will,” I answered, already dozing next to the baby.
    Sometime later I heard him come back into the room. He tucked little Benjamin into his cradle with warm blankets and then he joined me on the bed. He took off his shirt and boots and slid close to me. I looked into his eyes, full of worry for me. I sighed and moved away, putting a few inches between us. I didn’t want to give Mal the wrong impression.
    “I know Lizzie. I’m as loyal to Alec as you are. But you need held right now. You need to know you are safe and loved. I’m here to do that. So relax and let me…please,” he pleaded.
    I let him pull me close and lay enveloped in his arms. There wasn’t any argument. He was right. I did need the love and protection right now, for myself and my little son. I turned my head and placed it on his shoulder and he sighed softly. Content and safe, all of us drifted to sleep.
    For a moment, when I first awakened, I thought it may have all been just a terrible nightmare. I kept my eyes shut, listening to the heart beating beneath my ear. I wished it was Alec’s but I knew it was Mal’s. I felt his fingers intertwine with mine and I didn’t resist. Neither of us said anything.
    When the baby awakened later I got up and fed him next to Mal, as I would have done with Alec. He watched us, fascinated by our routine. I changed and dressed little Benjamin in clean clothes and put him in his bouncer. He played happily with the toys, completely content with his surroundings.
    Mal was watching me again. I felt a little self-conscious. He realized and apologized.
    “I’m sorry Lizzie. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s just that you and little Benjamin are so interesting to me.”
    “It’s all right. Alec always watches us. He does too. He says we are both beautiful and amazing to him.”
    “He’s right, you are,” Mal agreed.
    I looked at him in surprise. He blushed slightly.
    “It doesn’t bother me Mal. It’s ok,” I reassured him.
    He smiled and walked over to me. So strong. So confident. So capable. He opened his arms and