Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Not until you tell me what this is.” He points back to the paper again.
“I don’t know, it looks like a half-assed high school newspaper.” I shrug like I have no idea, but I never was a good liar.
“May 1. That’s today. What’s happening today?”
I close my eyes and picture Ryan’s beautiful sleeping face. If I’d stayed with him, I’d be safe right now. “I don’t know,” I say, opening my eyes to stare at him.
“Liar!” he shouts as he bangs his hand on the table. My eyes are clouded with tears, but he continues, oblivious to my distress. “You know exactly what this is, and you’re a part of it.”
My ears perk up when I hear shouting in the distance. Then I hear shots fired. My father keeps yelling at me, oblivious to what’s going on outside the room we’re in. Then there are more shouts and the sound of boots running on concrete. I’m feeling sick to my stomach and my ears begin to ring. His face is red and sweaty as he stands up from his chair and bangs his fist on the table.
The sounds grow closer and louder, but whatever they injected me with earlier is having an effect on me. I have the urge to throw up and fall asleep at the same time, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep my eyes open.
The ringing in my ears gets louder and my father becomes manic. Then just as I begin to pass out, I see my red-faced father clutch his chest as his eyes bulge and spittle comes out of his mouth. He’s coughing, his face slackening, just as the door bursts open and I see Ryan standing there.
“Ryan!” I call out as my father falls into his chair, slumping over onto the table. He still has the magazine pages clutched in his hands.
Chapter Fourteen
Naomi
My eyes slowly open to the sound of more shouting, but this time I feel a breeze on my face. I look around to see I’m in the back of an army truck, but there are no soldiers in sight.
Slowly my vision becomes clear and I take in the scene. My breath hitches when I see I’m in Ryan’s arms. There are people everywhere, and I try to focus on what’s happening.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Ryan smiles down at me before he places a kiss on my lips.
I try not to tear up as I reach out and hold his face. I’m so relieved to be with him again.
“What happened?”
“We have one more stop before I take you to the farm,” he says, wrapping his arms around me tighter.
“Yes,” I say, clinging to him just as tightly. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have left the room without you.”
“I’ll just tie you to the bed next time,” he says, kissing me again.
His deep, commanding voice sets me on fire immediately, and my body aches for him.
I stare at him for a long moment as he tucks my hair behind my ear and looks at me with so much love. The truck pulls to a stop, and I look around to see we’re at the wall. Or what’s left of the wall.
“Where’s my father?” I finally ask.
“He had a heart attack, but he’ll be fine. As soon as he’s recovered, he’ll be tried for his crimes.” His eyebrows pull together. “I’m sorry, I know he’s your father.”
“No, I’m happy he’ll pay for his crimes. That he’ll get a taste of the life he made innocent people have.” I push thoughts of him away. He doesn’t deserve any part of me. “You had your revolution and I totally missed it,” I say, giving Ryan a small smile.
Ryan tucks his hand under my chin and looks me in the eyes. “I saved you the best part,” he whispers against my lips before he kisses me again.
Chapter Fifteen
Ryan
There’s hardly any wall left by the time we arrive, but everyone is there. Sylvia and Brad are standing together and he’s got his arm around her. Minnie and Owen are holding each other close as his hand lies possessively over her pregnant belly.
Dozens, maybe hundreds, of other people gather around as Owen climbs up to the highest peak of the rubble, the sunset behind him. He’s filthy from the battle and exhausted but exuberant. He looks down at me and nods as I turn to Naomi.
“I love you so much, Naomi. Marry me. Right here, right now. I want everyone to see what you mean to me.”
“Yes!” she says without hesitation, throwing herself in my arms.
The cheers from the crowd erupt, and then Owen begins.
“Dearly beloved…” he says, but the rest of it fades out as I look into her beautiful green eyes.
Naomi’s makeup has long worn off, and her hair is down, and she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.