Page 22 of Haze of Obedience
"After you," Dirk motions.
My stomach flutters with nerves, but I let him lead me to the edge of the woods.
"It's going to get muddy. Want a piggyback ride?" His hazel eyes twinkle, and I almost say yes.
"Nope, I got it."
"Zoe—"
"I'm more than capable of walking through the woods," I snap.
"Fine. Suit yourself."
We track through the forest in silence, and my shoes keep getting stuck. A slippery looking mudhole is so big there is no way to get around it.
"Ready for that piggyback ride?"
"Nope."
You're an idiot and should take the piggyback. You're going to be up to your ankles in mud.
Don't touch him.
He crosses and holds out his hand, but I refuse to take it.
As soon as my foot hits the ground, I go flying on my backside. Mud swirls all around me.
"Zoe, you okay?" Dirk holds his hands out, but I don't take them.
"I'm fine." I attempt to push myself out of the mud, but I'm stuck and end up flat on my back. My head sinks into the dirt.
"Zoe, stop being pigheaded and let me help you."
"I don't need your help."
"Really? You don't seem to be making much progress from where I'm standing."
"I'm fine." I try again to get up but can't, and I'm only getting dirtier.
Dirk leans down, puts his hands under my armpits, and yanks me up.
"I said I had it handled."
"No, you didn't."
"Yes, I did."
"You are the most stubborn woman I've ever met."
"And you are like every other man that doesn't listen and just does whatever you want."
His eyes flare with anger. "No, I'm not."
I want to believe him, but my ego and past experience won't let me. I stomp past him and continue toward the river I see peeking through the trees.
He grabs my arm. "Zoe—"
"Don't touch me," I seethe.
