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

missed him. There were so many things I wanted to talk to him about. Questions I wanted to ask. It wasn’t easy, waiting all month long to see him. As brief as those moments were, he made the best of them. He would hold me tight and tell me he couldn’t wait to see me. His reassurance and steadfast heart were winning me over.
    Maybe it was his eyes. I would get lost in those steely gray eyes, hugging him close, and wishing he could take me away. Far away. From death and destruction, from my pain and suffering, and from the need for revenge that still burned hotter than any other flame. Even the flame of desire. And desire did burn inside me, whenever Alec was near. Conflicted, I tried to stick to my resolve, my need for vengeance. It was getting more difficult. Harder to hold on.
    Darren was spending a lot of time with me, every free moment. I could hardly escape his attention or his notice. He monopolized every moment with me that he could. I knew he was trying to show me how much he cared about me and it was sweet, but I knew now with certainty that I did not love Darren. I wasn’t sure how to tell him. I didn’t think he would react well. And then there were everyone else’s reactions around here to deal with. Fun.
    I was concerned about him. He hid his anger and resentment well but I knew inside, just under the surface, bubbled something dangerous. I couldn’t shake the feeling. I caught it in his eyes briefly, at times, before he hid it again. His smile was always broad. He seemed happy….almost content.
    But it was a lie. It confused me. His eyes never held the same warmth or depth that his smile tried to convey. I couldn’t figure out what was causing his behavior or how to talk to him about it. Certainly he wasn’t reacting so crazy because of Alec.
    I kept getting stares from everyone, especially Big Dog and Diva. I knew they were looking out for him. It irritated me that I had to play this part, keep Darren smiling, no matter what. I wonder if they knew how I really felt. But I didn’t think I had the freedom to argue. And I did not think I could argue my case effectively. It wasn’t so bad anyway, not if I kept my distance. It made the days pass faster, until I saw Alec again…
     
     
     
     
    Something was bothering Lizzie. Alec knew it. He could feel it, sense it somehow even from a distance. Her eyes would briefly look upset. She was distracted and often seemed to be watching everywhere around her. He couldn’t shake the feeling it had something to do with Darren. The last visit things had been off. Normally he had at least a few minutes to talk with her but this time she left quickly and quietly, as if she were almost afraid.
    Alec knew he would have to talk to her about it soon. The next time she came he was going to get answers. Even if it meant detaining her longer than Darren wanted. He was sick of his demands. Sick of him dragging her away before they had a chance to talk. It was more than a power trip. He acted like he owned Lizzie.
    Alec looked at his watch. Almost time. He had a brilliant thought last time they were together. He had suggested that they write letters to each other. Lizzie had loved the idea. She promised to have a letter for him today.
    Finally able to break away, Alec left the bunker and headed out for his walk. Feeling the first few fat wet drops fall on his face, he picked up his pace. Rain was coming. A small storm on the horizon, making its way across the sky, darkening the clouds before their time. Five miles away, in the Worthington Industries district was an old gnarled tree. It had a small hole in the trunk, about six feet high, above a low hanging branch. Here was where they promised to put their letters.
    He slipped his fingers into the crevice and instantly met the crinkle of paper. He pulled, papers fluttering to the ground. He smiled. There were three letters from Lizzie. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled four letters out for her. Carefully he tucked them