That Incredible Kiss
Page 17
Soothed by the subtle vibrations of water lapping gently over the rocks below, she began to doze off. The trek along the beach had been exhausting.
Kate remained quiet as Christina took some time to recharge.
And, then, with a start, Christina finally spoke. “The Indians claim this ground is sacred, you know.”
Kate grinned. “Yeah. I think you might’ve already mentioned that to me a couple of times – or more.”
Christina smiled ruefully. “I’ve had a lot of time on my hands since I had to quit going to school. Once my mom bought me my new computer...well...I’ve been doing a lot of research about this town and its history.”
Kate chuckled. “You can’t fool me – you used to spend a lot of time at the library, even before you got sick.” But then she frowned.
“That’s okay, Kate,” Christina whispered. Reaching out, she covered Kate’s hand with hers. “Wanna know what else I learned?”
“Sure.”
“Along with all the superstition, there’s some really interesting Indian folklore associated with Dragonfly Pointe.” Christina hesitated, before her eyes met Kate’s. “Supposedly – any death that occurs at Dragonfly Pointe actually provides strength to those left behind to mourn.” With a wry smile, she added, “Unfortunately, though, the progression of life and death is a given.”
When Kate reluctantly nodded her agreement, Christina sighed resignedly. There would be no miracle for her. Kate needed to realize that Christina had, long ago, accepted her fate. She’d always been much wiser than her fourteen years.
But she didn’t want to forget everything she needed to say to her very best friend. Her brain was becoming increasingly foggy, though. It took all her concentration to remain focused. She began abruptly, “It’ll happen with one, single kiss.”
Kate blinked, clearly confused. “What?”
“You’ll fall in love,” Christina announced. “It’ll happen with one, single kiss.”
Kate snorted.
But when Kate’s eyes met hers, Christina remained solemn. “You’ll fight it. And it’ll be several years before you’re willing to accept it. But you’re never gonna be able to forget that kiss.”
Kate giggled uneasily, clearing her throat. “It’s not that I don’t believe you, Chris. But why was it so important for you to tell me that?” Kate rolled her eyes. “We both know how annoying it is when our friends start talking about their stupid boyfriend troubles.”
Christina hesitated, before her eyes suddenly filled with tears. “Did you know, Kate, that I’ve never even been kissed?” Hoarsely, she continued, “And, just like Anna, I’m never gonna have the chance to fall in love.”
Kate appeared momentarily stunned. Christina knew Kate was on a short string emotionally, attempting to remain strong for her. But, it was as if a dam broke loose when, expectedly, Kate began to cry.
Pulling her into her arms, Christina whispered, “There’re gonna be some pretty devastating problems that your family will have to deal with in the future, Kate. And work’s gonna be all that’s important to you. But always remember that, one day, if you’re ever willing to accept it, you’ll have the chance to be incredibly happy. And I really need for you to be happy, Kate. Letting you know what to expect someday – so you don’t let happiness slip through your fingers – it’s the best final gift I could think of to give to you...”
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Two Hearts Under Fire
Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 8
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An Excerpt
2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner
2019 Independent Author Network Outstanding Fiction Novella of the Year
Prologue
Iraq, 2015.
Riding in the supply truck along with three other members of his team, Airman Russ Quinlan was becoming uneasy. Something wasn’t right about the way this mission was unfolding. The intel provided had guaranteed the insurgents were contained in another quadrant, so why was he worried?
As they drove past the location where he’d been told the ambush was supposed to happen, Russ realized the assignment had gone terribly wrong.
One minute, Russ was glancing at the driver as he slowed down, and the next minute chaos ensued.
Russ watched in horror as Tack went flying through the air while Sarah Benton seemed to fall through the bottom of the truck, which was no longer there.
The thrust from the explosion suddenly sent Russ backwards, leaving him laying flat on the ground beside the road, unable to move.
Russ was in a daze, his mind abruptly going blank. The scene around him was so horrific, he nearly lost it.
He was suddenly being dragged over sharp rock through the wreckage and hoisted into a vehicle where every member of his team, except for Sarah, had already been loaded. Brian was probably in the best shape, since he’d been sitting in the back of the truck, but Tack appeared to have lost most of an arm. Unconscious and covered with blood, the supply truck driver was in the worst shape, since he was missing both legs, and probably wouldn’t survive the trip to wherever they were being taken.
There were at least a dozen men holding them, Russ realized, and even if he had the strength, he wouldn’t be able to get away.
The truck they were traveling in unexpectedly jerked up and down, and Russ couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer.
* * *
. A fist was pounding at his face, and Russ awoke abruptly to discover he was standing partially upright with heavy metal cuffs wrapped around his wrists. The cuffs had been attached to chains which were cemented into the stone wall he was leaning against.
Russ stared mutinously at the man, or rather terrorist, who’d just slugged him, and found it strangely humorous to see the guy wearing a mask covering most of his face. From what he’d heard about these insurgents, they liked to brag about their conquests.
His assailant walked away from Russ and motioned at the other man in the room. Although he was barely conscious, Tack had been strapped to a tall wooden chair, and had been forced to sit upright.
The terrorist looked at Russ with oddly familiar eyes. “Bring him here, so he can know what his father has cost us.”
The comment made no sense, but then Russ realized what was going to happen, not knowing exactly sure why. Because they were Americans? It seemed to be enough of an excuse for these monsters to torture and kill.
“Why not me?” Russ shouted, when Tack could do nothing but scream.
The terrorist sneered. “I fear that you would not be so easy to break.”
Obviously, they’d seen the thick rows of scars covering nearly every inch of Russ’s back.
The torture continued, and Russ kept staring into the man’s eyes, knowing he would remember him and the darkness of his eyes for the rest of his life.
Because his were the eyes of evil.