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

think that over. “Were you dating or something?”
    I shook my head. “There was no promise between us but he never had the chance. I believe he would have…wanted more. The bombing happened just days later. I’m not sure of his intentions. We haven’t been able to talk.”
    He leaned closer. “Do you love him?”
    His question took me by surprise. “I…don’t know.” An honest answer.
    “Has he told you he loves you?” He asked quietly.
    I didn’t answer him right away. His questions made me uncomfortable and irritated me. Why was it his business? Why did he always have to know everything about me? I had no privacy at all.
    “No.” I whispered.
    His response was quick. “There you go. I love you Lizzie. You don’t have to wonder with me. I don’t play games.”
    But that was a lie. All Darren did was play games. “I...”
    He kissed me, crushing my body against him. For once, I kissed him back. I needed to know if I responded to Darren the way I did with Alec. Did my heart skip a beat? Did my stomach get butterflies? Was I weak in the knees, slightly nervous? I let my fingers travel up his chest and around his neck. He seemed surprised and kissed me deeper, squeezing me tight.
    Analytical to a fault, I internalized the moment. Darren leaned back and lay down next to me, pulling me into his arms. I let my head rest on his chest, introspective, searching for answers to questions I swore I would not consider. Lost in thought, I absently ran my fingers along his chest. I did feel something for Darren. It was simple and nice. Friendly. Happy. But not serious. Not deep.
    It wasn’t the same as Alec, wasn’t nearly as strong, but was that because of the past? Because of Angela? My sister? The war? Was what I felt for Alec real or was it because of the connection we shared one night three years ago?
    Darren was good to me. He watched out for me. I felt safe and cared for. Until recently I had never doubted him. But his behavior lately left me confused. Baffled. After the warning from Mal I felt I needed to be cautious. Things were not as they seemed. Darren was looking for a commitment. I had a feeling when I turned him down it was going to get ugly. My gut told me to be careful.
    Maybe I needed to think things over. Not just with Darren. What were Alec’s intentions? Was he even telling the truth? I didn’t know. I had no proof. I hadn’t seen or heard from him in three years. Why did he care about me? Were his feelings genuine? I knew nothing. He kissed me but what did that mean to him ? Was I just some fling to tide him over during the war? Or was there something more, a deeper sensation than simple lust or desire?
    I decided to play things loosely with Alec until I could figure out what he really wanted. He was too mysterious for me to trust so implicitly. I was naïve at times. Too trusting. Too easily manipulated by emotions. Too innocent. I had to be careful. My heart should be guarded more carefully than that. I knew the man he was, three years ago, but now?
    Sometime later we heard someone walking in the hallway. I sat up quickly, preparing to fight, slowly standing in a crouched position. Darren stayed out of sight behind the door, ready for action. I pulled my knife, watching the doorway. The footsteps got closer. Someone was rattling the door and the knob. A key turned the lock. I glanced at Darren, catching his nod. We were ready.
    Seconds later Alec slipped through the door. He smiled at me, so genuine and sweet, I was nearly swept right off my feet. Butterflies emerged. And lots of them. Right into the pit of my stomach. This wasn’t going to be easy, keeping my distance. Why did he have to be so handsome?
    “They think you escaped. The search has been called off for now. I think it is safe enough to sneak you out.” I breathed a sigh of relief and he grinned, his grey eyes shining. “Here’s some beef jerky and bread and water. It’s the best I could do. Follow me.”
    I handed some of