He cups my cheeks. "I thought you wanted me to train you."
"I did. I do."
"Why do I feel as if I've just done something wrong? Something to hurt you?"
I shake my head. "You haven't, but..." Tears well in my eyes.
He puts his lips on my forehead. "What is it? Tell me, my Little Diva."
"You always deny it and make me question whether I could be wrong. But now..." I stop and breathe deep.
He pulls me tight to his body. His heart beats hard into his chest cavity. "I will always do everything I can to protect you. All I thought about last night was making sure you had the tools to stop anyone from hurting you. I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just trying to do the right thing."
Get your act together, Zoe.
Why are you flipping out on him?
"I know. This was my idea. I'm sorry, I just..." I look up. "Tell me nothing is going to happen how you always do. Even if it's a lie, just let me hear you say it."
His face hardens. "Zoe, I'll die before I let them touch you."
I kiss him, knowing in my heart he would lay his life down for me, but not hearing him say the words I'm asking him too.
And I shouldn't even ask him to lie. I've begged him to teach me how to defend myself and use weapons to kill. I've insisted all along the Global Leaders will find me, and he won't be able to stop them. Now that he's done exactly as I ask of him, I'm turning into a woman who tells him one thing then in the next breath expects him to do another.
I kiss him. "Let's get out of El Salvador."
"Zoe—"
"I'm okay. Moment of craziness, that's all."
"You aren't—"
I put my finger over his lips. "Let's go."
He hesitates but finally opens my door. I put my hand on his chest, over his rattlesnake pendent. "Thank you for showing me."
He kisses my forehead and pats my ass.
I get in, and he walks around the van and slides on his seat. He puts his gun in his bag but keeps it nearby. After he starts the engine, he reverses out.
We're on a trail for several miles. There are woods on both sides until we come to the main road.
For several hours we drive, bantering back and forth, and learning more about each other. The only stops we make are for gas and a few bathroom breaks. Each time, Dirk instructs me to keep my hat and sunglasses on and look at the floor. He escorts me to the restroom and waits then leads me back to the vehicle. It doesn't even seem like we've been driving long when we get to the El Salvador/Guatemala border.
We sail through another one of Tinker's friend's properties and continue our journey.
"We need gas. Climb in the back while I'm fueling up. I'll have to go inside to pay, so keep the doors locked."
I do as instructed. I shouldn't feel anxious, nothing has happened, but my chest tightens and heart races while I wait.
When Dirk gets back inside and calls out my name, I breathe in relief. "You're good to come back up."
I resume my position in the passenger seat.
"Are you okay?" he asks.
"Yeah. I'm just glad nothing happened to you."
"I've grown on you, haven't I?" He waggles his eyebrows.
"I might keep you around."
"Ouch."
"So...Dirk."
His eyes twinkle. "Yes, my Little Diva."
"Let's play, I Bet."
"How does it work?"
"I say something such as, 'I bet you love snow.' Then you say if I'm right or not. But you can't cheat, and I'll keep track of points."
"All right. But take your slippery elm. You haven't had any tea since yesterday at Tinkers."
I dig into his bag and pull out my lozenge and pop it in my mouth. "Done. While I'm sucking on this—"
"Don't get me excited."
I slap his arm. "Funny. Okay, are you ready?"
"What does the winner get?"
"Explicit favors tonight."
His face lights up. "I'm in. Let's start."
"You're too easy."
We play for hours while driving through the mountains, and when it's dark, we've made it to the Guatemalan/Mexican border.
"I win!" I shout.
"No way!"
"Yep! 289 to 293."
"I want a rematch."
I pat his cheek. "You did good."
He stops the car and leans over. "Normally, I'd be upset about losing, but somehow I get the feeling that I'm going to enjoy my punishment."
Flutters take off, but I jump when there's a knock on the window.