Page 150 of A Simple Truth

“Don’t worry, I got your back,” she sweetly cooed. “We make a good team after all, Bellator,” she said, smiling, while tying the flaps of her skirt together. And though my eyes narrowed on her, I couldn’t resist a smile.

“About damn time you realized that...ready?”

“Always,” she replied with confidence. I yanked the door wide open.

And then the chaos started.

The bloodied halfbeaten men slumped against the walls of the gambling den. Anfissa warily stood there with the other four girls hovering behind her while Finn conversed with them.

“There is enough money for you all here to hire your own guards and your own enforcers to rule the oases, by council, representing each tribe, each village…” she stated. “Or you could all come with us. We would ensure your safety and well-being,” she tried to convince them.

“This desert is where our ancestors lived and where our children will live. It’s our home,” Anfissa replied.

“Then I’d like to come visit you one day.” Finn smiled, respecting their choice to stay behind.

“I’d like that,” Anfissa said, as Finnleah hugged each of the women. “Take good care of Nizana for me, please.” Her voice was less than a whisper as Finn squeezed her hand. “Now go, before anyone knows we had Destroyers amidst us, helping us with this…” She looked around at the carnage we had left behind, her face paled, but she held her head high. “Thank you for your help.” Her eyes landed on me, and I gave a courteous nod.

At last, Finnleah and I rushed from the building, sneaking out under the cover of night into the serene, endless desert.

90

FINNLEAH

We had been trotting away from the village for a while now, the soft sand feeling warm against my bare feet as I tried to keep up with Gideon’s long strides. The occasional quick bursts of night wind sent chills across my exposed skin.

“I desperately need a bath,” I proclaimed, finally breaking the awkward silence. Random strangers’ blood spattered on top of the cosmetics that girls had put on to conceal my freckles and scars, all mixed with my sweat, made my entire body itchy.

“There is a small oasis to the west of us. An hour long walk or so,” Gideon replied, as he too pulled off his cloak, not bothering to fix his untucked shirt.

“How would you know? We are in the middle of the desert, and we have no map nor compass,” I doubted as we strode further away.

“I have a good sense of direction. And also,” —he pointed to the stars— “those things help too.”

“Yes, because the stars just magically tell you where to find water amidst the giant desert.” My voice laced with sarcasm as I rolled my eyes at him, half panting as we hiked up the steep sand dune.

“No, but the giant map in the dead guy’s chambers helps. It was right next to the painting you took off.” He smirked at me, matching my sassy tone. “Or do you not pay attention to anything but me when I am around you?” I huffed at his words, but he gave me a boyish smile and added, “Now that I think of it, that would explain a lot.”

“Sorry, I was busy actually looking for things thatmattered, not just gazing at the wall and décor, unlike someone,” I sneered, pulling out the book, looking at the frail binding, carefully opening a few pages. “Aurelia will be so proud. She was so adamant about it and now, here it is…” My eyes skimmed the pages. “It’s definitely of Elvish language origins, but even I can’t quite fully understand it. Plus, this terrible moon light doesn’t help…” I mumbled to myself as I browsed through the book. I closed it a second later and looked up only to find Gideon staring at me, as he stood ahead, waiting for me to catch up to him.

Goosebumps raced across my skin, suddenly so aware of his closeness, of his heavy male gaze lingering on me. He stood still, as I caught up to him, now only a step away. Gods, I was sure my heart was going to explode, both of us standing speechless as our eyes spoke a language we didn’t understand.

The continuous silence was becoming terribly loud, and my brain, without consulting me, decided that a weird, half-step, half-jump past him would diffuse the situation.

His eyes twinkled with amusement but before he could comment, I quickly recovered, saying, “So…not a chains and ropes kind of guy, huh? That is good to know.” I sent him a taunting smile, my cheeks flushing with heat, as dangerously lustful thoughts lurked in my mind. Gideon took a long breath, catching up with me, his nearness sending a bolt of lightning down my spine. He lowered his head towards me as his mouth almost brushed against my ear.

“I guess you will have to wait and find out,” he whispered, his voice low and sultry.

I theatrically gasped at his reply, and he chuckled, already walking away from me with a wicked grin on his face.

The hour had vanished, as we finally approached the tiny oasis resembling a small, round lake. Bits of green shrubs encompassed the shallow waters, making it feel secluded. The water was warm and so refreshing as I took a few steps in. Without a second thought, I undid my bra, throwing it back on the shore. Then just as fast, yanked off the poor excuse of a skirt. Completely bare, I sauntered further in, until the murky waters reached just barely above my chest. I lowered my head into the water, scrubbing at the specks of dried blood and sand.

Gideon stayed behind, his arms folded, eyes meticulously observing me, as he rested his shoulder against a small palm tree.

“Come on in!” I shouted to him, splashing. He quirked his brow up, a suspicious look filling up his face. “Oh, come on. I promise I won’t drown you.” I laughed but he still didn’t move. “Look at you, you are just as filthy. And the water is perfect!” I ran my hand through the water, the silver stars flickering in the dark reflection. He scratched the back of his head but then moved, slowly taking off his clothes.

I fought with everything I could. I really, really did.

I knew better. But when his pants dropped, my eyes, my traitorous eyes, were glued to the well-endowed,hardenedlength on full display. And gods, it looked even better than I had imagined.

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