Page 58 of Attraction

Kat’s not able to hear the actual conversation, but she gets up with considerable effort and frowns, concerned. “Hey, so what’s going on?”

“Nothin’.” Digby sighs—shooting one final glaring glance at Darius. “Bud, get me another of these trays.”

Bud hesitates, then out of the kit, he produces another, identical, metal tray, into which Digby then separates the food into two almost equal small portions. The cold gloop of pasta is so unappetizing he’s almost glad there’s not much, but at the same time, his stomach does a gurgling somersault, desperate with hunger. He then hands one tray to Kat. “Eat!”

Starving hungry, she’s frowns looking at the tiny portion. This food,she can tell, the cause of the friction between the two competing males. “What the hell’s going on?”

“Nothin’. I told you… now just eat!”

With no energy to argue, she sighs, taking away what’s been offered. Figuring any sustenance is better than none as she drops with a weary sigh, sitting next to QT, warming themselves from the chill of the desert night by the fire the guys lit earlier.

QT smiles watching her. “I–I knew you would do it.”

“You did? Well then you knew more than me, ‘cause I sure as hell didn’t think I would.” She sighs, placing her hand gently on his arm, thanking him.

Digby finishes his food in just two gulps, licking the tin—his stomach is so angry with him. Then, reaching to his vest pocket, he produces a battered candy bar and devours it even quicker than the spoonful of sticky pasta. His attention now settles on Kat still chatting quietly with Q.T. Her hair is loose from the bun on her head, framing her face with blond curls. She looks utterly exhausted, but there’s also a mellow glow of elation and her green eyes glint with gold from the reflected firelight. He sighs and turns around, taking a breath as he stares at Darius. “Alright, let’s get this done—let’s make it official.”

“What? You wanna vote right now? You don’t wanna sleep on it and maybe think it over?” Darius frowns.

“No, there’s no point waitin’,” Digby smirks. The fact Darius has been proved so wrong makes even the hunger worthwhile. “You know she’s gettin’ on this team whether you like it or not.”

“Sure, if you say so, but votes aren’t in yet.” Darius’ expression holds firm as he and Digby focus on each other.

“What the hell does that mean? Whose head have you been tryin’ to turn?”

Digby looks over his shoulder at the other guys. They’re watching, keeping a reluctant eye on the tension between their two most senior. They know from bitter experience how this can all boil over much quicker than anyone expects.

Digby’s eyes meet with Zak’s and a small seed of doubt enters his head.Will his best friend, his teammate—his brother,now turn on himand prevent her from making the team?

Darius can see those thoughts like a bubble over his head. “You sure no one’s got any doubts about her?” He sniffs cockily. “Digby, look, I’m askin’ you this for your own good. You think you got a handle on this, working side by side with her. But what about putting her in danger? You got a grip on all that?”

“I got this alright, I’m not some star-struck, lovesick mutt. It is what it is… it’s just sex, that’s all.” He takes a breath. While he knows it’s a lie, that what’s between him and Kat is more thanjust sex,it’s a mantra he’s trying to indoctrinate in his mind. “But yeah. I can handle it.”

Darius steps forward, his eyes reading Digby. He’s never seen him express himself so thoughtfully. “What the hell has she got over you?”

“I told you. Nothin’.” Digby averts his gaze and looks over his shoulder. “Alright, mongrels get up! Let’s do this.”

Kat looks behind her, watching them, and her tired eyes widen. Her heart’s beating so hard as she nervously looks at each one of them. Then she takes a deep breath as she stands up. “Uh, could I just say something before you do this?”

“Oh, God, you’re startin’ to sound likeuh…Bud… uh… now.” Zak laughs, jesting. Bud shoots him a menacing glance.

“For your information… I uh… I don’t do that,” Bud says.

“Uh,like yeah you do,Uh,like, always.” Zak mocks. “It’s kinda your thing, brah… and it’ssofreakin’ annoyin’.”

“Alright Zak, enough!” Digby draws a halt to his bullying-tease. “Let her finish.”

“Look,” Kat continues. “Digby tells me you have to vote about my place on the team. Well, I just want you to know, that no matter what, you should vote with your conscience. Do what you think is right, but also just so you know, I’ve never wanted anything more in my life that to be part of a team like this—it’s my career ambition. And I know this situation, with me and Ryan, what’s gone on has made things awkward,” she stutters, embarrassed. “And I’m sorry, it should never have happened. But I promise I will do everything with the skills I have to keep youallsafe, and I’ll do whatever this team asks of me.”

“Oh, uh… that’s great.” Bud interrupts, smiling. “So, that uh… that means you’re on dish washin’ duty from now on.” He laughs.

“Yeah, well, it would be my honor to do dishes—if it means I make the team.” She smiles.

“Oh geez. Will you please just shut the hell up? This is not some damn award ceremony.” Darius yawns. “Just get the fuck on with it, some of us want to get some rest tonight.”

“Okay, he’s right…” Digby nods. “Let’s do it!”

Leaving Kat where she is, alone with Darius, they huddle together forming a small tight circle talking in hushed whispers out of earshot.

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