Pacing away, he looked like a wild animal trapped against this will. “I could run ahead. Get the driver and come back for you.”
Slamming my hands on my hips, I shook my head. “There is no way you’re leaving without me again. No way. You promised. Will you renege on that so soon?”
He exhaled heavily. “Agreed. I was wrong to leave you at Hawksridge. If I’d listened to you, none of this would’ve happened.”
I softened. “If you’d listened to me, then your sister and Kes might have been hurt.” I snuggled into him. “You did the only thing you could.”
He groaned, gathering me close and kissing the top of my head. “I don’t deserve you. Not after what Daniel—”
I kissed him. “Shut up. I won’t let you think that way.”
I would never verbally tell him I let Daniel enter me—just a little—to ensure my trap was sprung before killing him. He didn’t need to carry such knowledge. It was a price I willingly paid. Jethro didn’t need to know how repulsive those few inches had been, or how much I loathed myself for letting it happen. I couldn’t stop him from sensing what I refused to say. But they were my thoughts and I wanted them to remain unspoken.
His lips grazed over mine. “You’re right. Let’s get out of this hell hole.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Stay quiet and follow me.” He twisted to leave, a painful hiss escaping his lips.
I yanked him to a stop, inspecting his side. “Are you okay? You need a doctor.” Pressing the back of my hand on his forehead, I whispered, “You’re burning up, Kite. You need medicine.”
He scowled. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on getting out of here. Then we can both heal and relax once we’ve won.”
I didn’t ask how we would do that. But I did ask, “Are we going to the driver a kilometre away?”
“No. You’re right. It’s too dangerous.” His eyebrows furrowed, thinking of a new plan. “The Jeeps that the workers take to the mine aren’t far away. I know where the keys are stored. If we stay hidden, we can get there in time to leave when the employees do.”
“What about Cut?”
“What about him?”
“Will he have come looking for me by now?”
A harsh look filled his gaze. “Cut will leave you to Daniel. Call it training. Like a lion leaves its cub to maul its dinner before stepping in and killing it. He wants Daniel to use you. He won’t interfere with that.”
I wasn’t so sure. The way Cut had looked at me spoke of rage that his youngest son got me first. He’d hated Daniel had won the coin toss.
Stepping away from the smelly latrines and into fresh, morning air, I squeezed Jethro’s hand. “I trust you.”
His golden eyes glowed with their own daybreak. “I’ll make sure to finally deserve your trust, Nila.”
Tugging me forward, he smiled. “Now, let’s go home.”
Chapter Nine
Jethro
I HID MY fear as I held Nila’s hand and guided her through the camp.
She didn’t need to know I had no fucking clue how to keep my promise. She didn’t need to hear my worries or concerns about this new plan. What she did need was for me to be strong and get her out of this mess.
And I would do it.
Gritting my teeth, I pulled her faster. I’d told her Cut would wait until Daniel had had his fill, but that was wrong. Cut had a fascination of claiming everyone for himself. His tolerance for time would’ve ended by now.
I had no doubt he would be on his way, if not already pissed at waiting so long.
Bird-song and awakening animals heralded in the new day. The calls and chirps sent chills down my back. Daniel had deserved to be devoured. Nature had taken care of it. But it didn't mean it was easy to watch.
