Page 39 of Kyle
Dec went to the vehicle and I moved to Preston’s body. Confirming he was indeed dead, I checked his pockets and came away with his wallet and phone.
After the car was thoroughly checked, we slipped back into the woods and started our trek to the camp.
“One down,” Declan said into his phone, calling in the kill. With no other conversation he slipped it back into his pocket.
Two more hours max and this would be done.
Two more hours and I could call Anaya and check in.
She’d tell me she was fine and I’d fly home.
Then what?
I’d go about my life, she’d go about hers, and never again shall the two pass.
Fuck, that thought turned my stomach.
Chapter 11
The orphanage Donny and Camilla had chosen was perfect.
The mountainside was beautiful. A clean crisp ocean breeze rolled over the small village and it smelled of new beginnings. I wasn’t stupid. It would take more than fresh air to heal the girls, but it was a start. The owners of the orphanage were kind and immediately welcomed the girls.
One man roamed the property, but he kept to the outskirts and gave the girls a wide berth. All of the other caretakers were women, both young and old alike.
As soon as we’d arrived, the girls were offered showers, clean clothes, and food. All nine had stayed huddled together through the process. Even though there was room for the girls to be separated and sleep in cots, they’d refused and were now sleeping on mats in the corner of the room.
It broke my heart but I understood. They also didn’t want much to do with me. I was an outsider, a stranger. All I’d wanted was to see them safe and they were. Besides, I’d be leaving at sunrise. There was no point for me to push my way into their lives, they’d been traumatized enough.
Donny and Camilla had left immediately after our arrival. They’d received word they were needed back in Dili. I opted to stay to make sure the girls had settled, though now I regretted my decision. I wasn’t needed here and someone from the nearby village had to drive me six hours back to the city.
But I’d wanted to stay and see for myself that the girls would be okay.
I tried to get comfortable in the small cot and turned on my side. Staring into the darkness, I thought about Kyle. Did he get to the Cambodian girls in time? Was he okay? Was he thinking about me, too?
Of course he wasn’t.
* * *
“Miss.” A woman shook me from sleep. “Car here.”
Crap. I overslept.
Which was not surprising since I’d tossed and turned all night. And every time I’d woken up all I could think about was how good it had felt when I’d fallen asleep in Kyle’s arms. I couldn’t forget the feel of his chest against my back, his strong arms holding me close. I couldn’t figure out what it was about him that had me sinking into his embrace instead of freaking out. And I’d spent much of my night thinking on it and I still couldn’t understand.
I sat up and tossed my legs over the metal frame of the cot and tried to shake the last of my lethargy away. I’d wanted to say goodbye to the girls but now I’d have no time.
I stood and finger-combed my hair, pulled it into a ponytail, and grabbed my backpack. I’d brush my teeth and change my clothes at the airport. Not that anyone would care what I looked like—but they would appreciate minty fresh breath.
I followed the girl out of the room I’d been given and made my way outside. All nine girls were waiting for me and I couldn’t stop my smile. They were here, they were safe, and they’d heal.
The oldest of the group slowly approached and stopped a few feet from me. “Thank you,” she spoke in English. “You save us.”
“Be well and take care of each other.”
With a nod she went back to the group, and for the first time in a long time I wanted to reach out and pull the small girl into a hug. But I refrained, knowing my embrace would be unwelcomed. God, I hoped one day she’d learn to trust again and not wall herself off like I’d done. It was a lonely life full of regrets.
After a quick goodbye to the owner and the staff, I was on my way back to Dili. Back to my dull life. Alone. Without Kyle.
