His sisters would be fine without him. Their husbands would protect them.
The driving force in his life, the thing that had kept him going, kept him alive, no longer existed. They didn’t need them. The truth was he needed them. Who was he without them? The path before him was cast in darkness.
The pain in his heart almost dropped him to his knees. He staggered, falling against the rocks. “What’s wrong? You’re hurt, aren’t you?” Jamaeh was beside him, running her hands over his arms and chest. The remote look was gone from her green eyes, replaced by concern.
The ice around his heart cracked. His shields, his good intentions, were nothing against her caring. He started to tell her he was fine, but stopped. “I’ve killed many times.” It was best she understood who he was. “Not once have I ever reached for a woman after.”
Her eyes widened and she swallowed hard and nodded. “I haven’t killed anyone until today, but I’ve been in some tight situations. I’ve never once reached for a man after.”
Gods, she was incredible. After everything, she was trying to reassure him. He didn’t deserve her, but he would.
“Let’s just say we’re both a little emotional right now and leave it at that. Okay?” She nibbled on her lower lip and glanced away. Like their physical relationship, now was not the time for an in-depth talk. Baraj would be back if they didn’t show soon.
“Okay.” He’d let it go for now. He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Thank you.” She was more forgiving than he’d be if the situation were reversed.
“For what?” When he released her, she curled her fingers, bringing her hand to her chest. The gesture was telling and settled him
“For being you.”
She tilted her head to one side, her expression one of concern.
He knew he was confusing the hell out of her. Welcome to the club.
As they continued on in silence, he let his gaze play over the horizon, scanning back and forth, watching for any movement. He used the trek to plan, playing out scenarios, refining some and casting aside others. Whatever actions he took, he had to factor Jamaeh into the mix. Baraj wasn’t a problem. If he became one, he’d be dealt with. Zaxe didn’t see himself as ruthless, but pragmatic. As long as Baraj didn’t double-cross them, he’d live. If he came after him or Jamaeh, Zaxe would take him out.
The other man was pacing at the bottom of the canyon. “Took your own sweet time,” he complained.
“There’s a fairly large group headed toward us.” Behind him, Jamaeh gasped.
Baraj swore. “How many?”
“Undetermined. Still too far out.”
“Then how do you know they’re there?” he challenged.
“Dust. That many people raise a cloud of dust as they move.”
Jamaeh slipped the pack from her back and crouched, placing it on the ground. She dug out a container of dried fruit and opened it. “We need to eat while we can.” She offered it to him, hesitated, and then held it out to Baraj. His gaze narrowed, but he took a handful, giving her a nod. Then she helped herself.
Relaxing against the stone wall, he munched on the flavorful snack. Baraj devoured his and wiped his hand on his pants. “Well?”
“Well, what?” Zaxe asked. Beside him, Jamaeh ate, but kept one hand on her blaster and watched Baraj.
“What’s the plan?”
“Better cover here. We let them come to us. Then we negotiate.”
“That’s your plan? We negotiate? These are outcasts.” Baraj spat after he said the word.
“They’re people,” Zaxe reminded him. “And everyone wants something. Once you discover what it is, life gets easier.”
Jamaeh tensed and then slowly relaxed. Did she think he was playing her? Nothing he could do about that now.
“And what do you want?” Baraj asked.
“To complete my mission.” Because only then would his debt to the king of Gravas be discharged. Only then would he be free to pursue a life of his own. A life that included an opportunity to see where things went with Jamaeh.
“Jamaeh wants her brother free and safe,” Zaxe continued. “You want to make sure Reman’s interests are protected. If we work together, we all get what we want.” He glanced toward the canyon opening. Waves of heat danced over the sands as the sun rose higher. The cloud of dust was larger now. “They’ll be here soon. Are you in?”
“Yes.” Baraj drank from his own flask, attaching it back to his hip.