Ezekiel hadn’t arrived home yet causing Liberty to breathe a sigh of relief. As Liberty prepared for bed, A’shai approached the makeshift cot that she slept on. Without warning he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. The peck was so quick that Liberty wasn’t even sure that it even happened and without saying anything, A’shai nervously retreated to his own room. His confident swagger hid the nervous butterflies that danced in his stomach. A small smile spread across Liberty’s young face as she touched her lips gently. She had never kissed a boy before, and it made her blush in flattery. It was the first time that Liberty hadn’t been afraid in her new surroundings. Although she did not let him know, A’shai made her feel comfortable. She didn’t think about the rebels, the war, her family, the blood-stained hands of his father. In his presence, Liberty felt safe… as if the little boy could protect her from the big bad world.

THREE

LIBERTY AND A’SHAI BECAME INSEPARABLE. SHE DISTRACTED him from his duties as an up-and-coming rebel because he wanted to spend all of his days with her. They never spoke about the raid of her village, but just looking Liberty in the eyes made A’shai realize how wrong the rebel campaign truly was. If girls like Liberty were hurt in the process then A’shai wanted no part of it. He was smitten by her infectious laugh. Taken aback by her flawless skin. Enthralled by her remarkably kind heart. They were best friends, and as each day passed she opened up to him more and more.

Ezekiel was pleased with the way his son had cracked Liberty’s hard exterior and as he watched the two playing behind his home he cleared his throat, announcing his presence.

Liberty stopped dead in her tracks as her eyes grew large. She was terrified of Ezekiel, and she avoided him whenever she could. She had seen him carry out the most lethal of threats and although they had not interacted much, he intimidated her.



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