Shattered Read Free

Liam was disappointed back then. He had that same look right now, but he was looking at me, looking at the heart necklace he had given me on my eighteenth birthday. It was more than a lovely necklace, it was his way of tel ing me he loved me and wanted what was best for me. He turned towards me then and touched the pendant. Although he was not a djin, I could feel his intense thoughts on me. And I can pick up a little of it, surprising me a bit.
    I knew djins like Torrid could read minds, and I have been training with him on learning how, amongst other djin skil s. I just did not think to read amongst other djin skil s. I just did not think to read Liam’s or anyone.
    But the thoughts were so intense, I couldn’t block it out anyways. Liam was staring straight into my eyes, while holding my hands.
    Kama…if you can hear me, smile.

    I smiled. His eyes crinkled on the sides a little, acknowledging he saw my sign.

    Kama, I believe you about my father. I just don’t want to believe it. I want you to be safe, to be taken care of, not here in this basement, locked up.
    I want to get out as much as you do, but I don’t trust Sanz one bit.

    I don’t, too. But we need him to get out. We’ll figure out what he wants once we’re out.

    Good plan, Kama. I always loved your intellect.
    Yeah right. That and…
    Everything else, my Kama, my love. Please be careful. I have a bad feeling about Dr. Sanz’s motives.
    Then we’ll have to be prepared for whatever will happen next. I’m ready.

    Liam set his chin up higher, a look of determination on his face, as he squared his shoulders back. Then he glanced at Dr. Sanz. “Lead us out of here.”

    Clasping his hands together, Dr. Sanz turned his attention back to Liam and me. “Now, if this is to go smoothly, I’l need your cooperation. This shouldn’t be too complicated. There’s such chaos out there, no one seems to know what’s real y going on. That should be enough of a distraction to al ow us to slip out undetected, but, then again, you never know. If only one of Pim’s guards catches sight of one of you guys, you guys could find yourself in a far more unwelcoming cel .”
    Liam and I glanced around the abandoned office. Though it was dingy and a bit chil y, it could have been worst.
    “We’l fol ow you and do as you say,” Liam said.

    “Hold on,” I said.
    They both turned to look at me.
    “Can I just have a minute with Liam before we leave?”
    “This is hardly the time… or place to get romantic,” Dr. Sanz said with a mocking grin.
    Unamused, I glared at him. “Can I just onehave a minute?”
    “Fine,” he groaned. “Make it fast.” He stepped out, but left the door ajar.
    I leaned into the door, closing it tight, and turned to Liam.
    “What’s up?” His lips played on a grin, while his eyes questioned my motives.
    “I’m just not sure. Is this real y the best way to go?”
    “I know what you mean. I have my doubts about the doctor as wel , but, for now, he’s al we got.”
    I felt the weight of the moment. So much was riding on the right decision. I tried to imagine the chaos outside. Our little window had offered little in the way of a clue as to what was real y going on. Al we had was Dr. Sanz’s word.

    we had was Dr. Sanz’s word.
    With my gaze to the floor, I muttered a little prayer and reached for Liam’s fingers, weaving my fingers through them. Liam tilted his head down until his brow met mine while his fingers gave my hand an affectionate squeeze. “Let’s just take it slow, be cautious and be ready to fight if something comes up.”
    “Okay.”
    His fingers worked up to the nape of my neck, calming me as much as a touch possibly could.
    “Remember,” he whispered as he brought his lips close to mine. “We’re in this together. No matter what happens, we’l get through it together.”
    “I know. You're right.” I gazed into his eyes, feeling suddenly empowered and capable of fighting anything, surviving anything.