Page 98 of Enthrall Shadows
I’d call her later and explain.
With that decision made, I lifted my rucksack and headed out, exiting the hotel, hoping she’d see this from my perspective.
I had the best intentions.
The early morning humidity was barely tolerable. The temperature would heat up as the day went on—not the typical suffocating climate at this time of year, but I’d have to watch my hydration.
The forecast for rain didn’t sound good, either, and I’d be on foot by then, heading into the wilderness. I’d trained and trekked in every climate, though, so this should be pleasant in comparison.
My intrigue grew with the possibilities of what lay ahead, of experiencing the freedom I’d pined for while looking out my office window at Cole Tower.
I needed a weekend away.
A Land Rover Discovery was out front, delivered earlier by the rental company. I’d arranged everything in secret in case my well-meaning family decided to scupper my plans.
The four-wheel drive would handle the terrain into the park. I rarely drove these days, so this was my chance to recapture some independence.
I threw my kit onto the backseat and climbed in.
This is it.
I punched my destination into the GPS, quickly orientating to the controls.
A hand slapped against the passenger window.
“You were leaving without me!” Lotte shouted.
I’d failed the first part of the mission—to ditch Lotte.
She tried the locked door handle, and then slammed her palm against the window again.
With a press of a button, I unlocked the door.
She threw her backpack next to my rucksack and then joined me in the front. She’d changed into khakis, a T-shirt and hiking boots and had a pair of designer sunglasses propped on her head.
Lotte huffed in annoyance as she pulled on her seatbelt. “I can’t believe you really did that to me.”
“Don’t take it personally,” I said, navigating the Rover onto the road.
“How would you feel if I did that to you?”
I bit down my frustration. “Keeping you safe is my top priority.”
“Same.”
“I’ve been in combat situations. You haven’t.”
“This isn’t combat—unless we’re talking about the war going on inside your head.”
“That’s unfair.”
She turned in her seat to face me. “You left me stranded.”
“In a five-star hotel. How you’d suffer.”
“Not the point.”
“Forgive me for trying to protect you.”
