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

I snuggled against him for a few minutes. He kissed the top of my head and left to take a shower.
    When he was gone, I let my thoughts wander. Tears filled my eyes and spilled over. Where was Alec? When would I see him again?
    My chest ached with emptiness. I missed him terribly. I tried not to think of him being hurt or dying but it wasn’t easy. Worrying wasn’t going to change things but it was hard to stop. I wiped the tears from my eyes and stood up, just as Mal entered the room. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw my face.
    “Lizzie, are you all right?”
    I shook my head and the tears started falling again. He was instantly at my side, throwing his arms around me. My emotions were in such turmoil. Stressed and worried about Alec, I cried into his shoulder until the tears subsided. Drying my eyes, I sat down on the bed.
    “You want to talk sweetie?” He asked softly.
    I nodded my head and he sat on the bed next to me. Mal was tall, taller even than Alec. Where Alec was an athletic build with a muscular upper body, Mal was leaner. He was still muscular and quite strong, but narrower in the hips with solid six pack abs. He was a fast runner and had the physique of someone who ran long distances.
    I loved his arms. It was kind of a weird fetish. Mal had full sleeves, the tattoos well done, the ink attractive, and lending a dangerous and irresistible quality. His dark blond hair was thick and a little long but it looked good on him. He had deep blue eyes that sparkled with his good humor and intelligence. He was handsome. I had always thought so.
    I realized I had been staring. Mal looked at me curiously and it was my turn to blush. He noticed and raised his eyebrows in curiosity. Before he could ask I cleared my throat, pretending not to notice.
    “Mal, I’m so worried about Alec. Do you think he got away? Where are the others? What’s the plan?”
    “Alec asked me to take you both away alone until it was safe. The rest of the refugees went to a second camp we prepared. I was given specific instructions not to take you there until it was certain that it was clear. You are not to be harmed or put in any risk,” he explained.
    “And just how exactly are we going to know when it is safe?” I asked.
    He cleared his throat. “We wait for the signal.”
    I raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s the signal Mal?”
    “We will be contacted by radio. Until then this place has been stocked with enough food and necessities for us to survive months. You don’t have anything to worry about Lizzie. This place is safe.”
    “I see. Who is sending us this signal? How long do we wait?”
    He looked away for a moment. “We wait until we hear from Alec himself. He made me promise. We aren’t to leave this place until he says it is time.”
    “What!?” I exploded.
    “Now Lizzie, this wasn’t my idea. Don’t shoot the messenger.” He put up his hands in defense.
    “Darn it Mal. Why would he say that?” I demanded.
    “I’m not sure of his motives but I know he is worried about you and little Benjamin. His biggest fear is that you will be captured or injured. He doesn’t trust anyone else to deliver the message. His word was final; we wait for his signal alone Lizzie.”
    Mal put his hand on mine and searched my eyes, I reluctantly acquiesced. “All right, for now. I can’t guarantee I will wait long. I’m not staying here forever.”
    Mal chuckled. “He said you would say that.”
    I couldn’t help but smile. Alec knew me better than anyone. I didn’t dwell on the “what-ifs”. It was our understanding. We didn’t do that. Instead I sighed and tried to push any doubts or fears from my mind.
    Mal put his arm around me. Without thinking I lay my head on his shoulder and moved close. He had always been there for me. I never remembered a time when he wasn’t around except when I left to marry Alec. Mal was a good and loyal friend. He loved me and my son. He would keep us safe. If I had to be in this