Page 33 of Guarding Zuri
“The richest members of Gohi’s inner circle?”
“Yes. He rewards his own and leaves the rest of his people to fight for the scraps that are left over.” Daemon studied her with a thoughtful expression on his face. Why was she both nervous and eager to hear his thoughts? He wasn’t Bendolan. Why did his opinion matter to her?
It had to be the kiss. It had surprised her how much she had wanted it after his lips touched hers. The disdain she believed she’d fostered for the handsome ex-soldier had dissipated the moment his mouth covered hers. It was the best kiss of her life.
She’d been lying to herself about her dislike for Daemon Knight. How she had moaned, how she’d said his name, how she had clung to him for dear life. If that stupid phone hadn’t rung, who knows if she would’ve showered alone? She didn’t have the strength to fight against her desire after learning about how Joqi’s wife hated her. She had wanted something good after all the pain.
That’s what it was: a pity kiss. He had wanted to make her feel better, and she had wanted the same for herself. She wouldn’t thank him for distracting her from her grief. However, as soon as their lips met, she wanted nothing more than to submit—and that terrified her. Losing all control to a man who had gotten her out of danger and committed to protecting her; what more could she want from a man? He could provide everything she needed—except a free Bendola.
That was still her cause, and she couldn’t lose sight of her goal. She was simply bonding with him because of the trauma she’d experienced. It was all chemical and psychological. None of it was real. And it would never be because one day she’d return to Bendola and he would move on to the next client.
“Well, after Bendola becomes democratic, it’ll change everyone’s lives,” Daemon said. “They’ll be able to vote for what they want and how they want to live—and that vote will actually count. It’ll be a difficult transition, but with you and David and other people willing to sacrifice their lives for change, I think you’ll weather the unavoidable storm that accompanies a regime change.”
Anunavoidablestorm? “What do you mean?” Zuri asked with a slight bite.
“You’ve studied democracy, right? Look at the history of your neighbors. Countries are at their most vulnerable when a new government takes over. It could take years for peace to set in. If you guys aren’t ready to combat resistance, you could end up with another dictator. Lots of men are loyal to Gohi. If something happens to him, bet on a successor putting up a fight right away.”
“We have been working on a plan for a long time. We understand that there will be some difficulties—”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
“—but we’re prepared to do whatever it takes.”
Daemon nodded, his expression stoic. “Good. I’m sure you have everything under control.”
He chewed his food, his eyes on the monitors in front of them. “You don’t believe that,” she challenged.
He gave her a sideways glance. “Does it matter to you what I believe?”
It shouldn’t, but if he believed her incapable, then his opinion mattered a great deal, so she could argue her position. Zuri tapped her lips with her cloth napkin and put it on the table. “First, I have to return to Bendola.”
Daemon shook his head. “We talked about this, Princess. Not a chance. Not now,” he said around the food. “Mmm, this is so good.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
He arched a brow at her. “As you wish, Princess.”
She ignored his pet name for her that sounded like shrill noise. “How long do you plan on keeping me here?”
He chuckled. “You’re not a prisoner.”
“Then I can leave when I want?”
He smirked. “I wouldn’t go that far. I still have a job to do.”
“Do you need me to fire you again?”
He grinned. “Had you rehired me? I’ve lost track. And it didn’t quite work the last time, remember?” He leaned over, his gaze latched to hers. “You can’t get rid of me, Zuri.”
She ignored the pleasant shiver zipping down her spine and rounding her waist to settle in her stomach. “Then let’s return to Bendola tomorrow,” she urged. “You have the money. I know you can protect me. There’s still time for me to be with David during the transition.”
“You’re not experiencing any jet lag?” With a bed, shower, and entertainment on the plane, she had forgotten she was flying.“Give me a SITREP on the street,” Daemon called out.
One of his employees reconfirmed the situation remained the same. Fighting had intensified with people calling for the dictator to step down after assassinating Bayo. Zuri kept her jaw firm, fighting emotion that swelled in her chest for her dead father. She appreciated the support from her people. At least a few of them didn’t believe she had abandoned them.
Yet.
The longer she stayed in America, the more distant she would be in their memories. She couldn’t come back after the fighting ended and then help lead the country. They wouldn’t trust her. She was a false savior who ran when the battle was at its toughest.
