Page 28 of Guarding Zuri
“Youdidn’t!Never think that. Joqiwantedto protect you and your father. It was his honor to do so. He could’ve gone home, but he wanted to be by your father’s side. If he hadn’t been in that car—he would’ve died with regret.”
Zuri knew that was true, but letting Joqi join the resistance fueled her guilt. If he hadn’t, he would be alive and with his family. It was difficult not to get attached to their supporters, and even more impossible when they died fighting for the cause. Although she understood the ultimate sacrifice often came with regime change, it always struck her as surreal. Joqi was like her uncle; they didn’t need to share blood to be related.
War is not a game, Zuri. Blood is often shed. And often, more than we ever dreamed we could accept.
Her father’s words had never been more true, especially now when they were about him.
“She appreciates the money Daemon gave her. It’ll put her children through school and support them for a long time. they don’t have to figure anything out right now other than facing their grief.”
Zuri’s anger replaced her guilt. Of course Joqi’s wife would see Daemon as the hero and her as the villain. She and her father killed their provider, but Daemon made up for it. A future free Bendola meant little next to money in their account today. Her heart sunk with anguish.I can’t be there for her and the children, and she might never want to see me again.
“Zuri?”
“I’m here,” she said, her teeth grinding. Didn’t his wife know how sorry she was? How much she had loved Joqi?
“Don’t be mad. I hear it in your voice. She is grieving and needs someone to blame. After her grief, she will see her error.”
Who knew how long that would be? Her grief could last for years.
A few long minutes later, David said he had to go, but the resistance had secured another contact in the military and everything—all things considered—was going well. Then the line went dead. A tear slipped down Zuri’s cheek as she set the phone back on the receiver. It pleased her that her father’s death hadn’t hindered the resistance; however, grief lingered over what David had said about Joqi’s wife. What could she do from a gorgeous home in Ashburn, Virginia?
She turned at the sound of a knock. Daemon leaned against the doorframe. He straightened, his face showing concern.
“What happened? Are you okay?” He swiftly crossed the room and sat on the bed next to her. Zuri didn’t have any fight left in her to shove him away. Her heart was breaking for Joqi, his family, her people…
Daemon’s heavy arm rested around her shoulders, and he pulled her to his firm side. He smelled like fresh pine, his body warm and inviting—like his mother’s room. “Talk to me. What happened?”
“Joqi’s wife… She curses me for what happened to him.” She choked on a sob and buried her face in his shoulder.
“Shh…” He smoothed her hair. “Don’t worry about her. She’s grieving. Of course she’s angry.”
“She’s not mad at you,” she countered in a muffled voice. She felt the rumblings of laughter soften his hard chest.
“Of course not. Money never ticks anyone off. It’s just a band-aid, Princess. She wants her husband more and would give it all back if she could have him for another minute, trust me.”
He was right, but it didn’t hurt any less. Guilt from leaving him to die in the street still plagued her. How could she grieve and handle his wife’s fury? Would Joqi ever forgive her for how she had left him?
Daemon’s calloused hand curved around her shoulder and down her arm. His thumb rubbed the top of her hand.
“I never come into this room,” Daemon murmured. “Reminds me too much of Mom. Her perfume lingers.” He inhaled and exhaled. “I’d give everything up—the money, the cars, the yacht, the planes—all of it to have her back. I’d pay any price.”
Zuri leaned back, wanting to see his eyes. She liked the way he spoke about his mother. She shared the same sentiment about hers. His eyes held a deep sadness despite the small smile, and she believed him.
“I miss my mom, too,” she whispered. “If she were here now…” She longed for the comfort of her mother’s arms, her tight hold and gentle words of wisdom whenever Zuri skinned her knee or failed a test.
The way Daemon’s hard arms cradled her, the gentle hold of his hand. She felt comforted and protected.
He frowned. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry for you, too.”
The side of his mouth edged up. “Aw, Princess, you care about me. I’m touched.”
She slapped his chest. He caught her hand and held it against him. The ripple of his laugh tickled her palm. She made no move to leave the comfort of his warm embrace. His eyes turned intense, his gaze steady, demanding her attention.
He angled his head, his warm lips feathering over hers before they covered her mouth completely. They moved tenderly, caressing and kissing away her salty tears. Zuri’s other hand slid up the ripples and sinews of his muscular back, pulling herself into him. His strength scared away the butterflies in her stomach, and desire blossomed with their absence. “Daemon…”
“Zuri…” Daemon whispered her name, kissing her closed eyes. His mouth settled back on hers and lingered.
