18.2 Disclosure

"If you want me to go, where it is you're going." You state curtly, pulling your now rebandaged leg away. "It's going to take a lot more convincing than that."

Dane's brow furrows in annoyance before he slowly rises to his feet. You watch wearily as he reaches down to lend a hand up. Ignoring this, you slowly push yourself up, trying to avoid bruising your leg further. The man seems indifferent to your rejection of his aid. Instead he crosses his arms over his broad chest, and tilts his head back slightly. You're made somewhat uncomfortable by his long, hard stare. Regardless, you're determined to stand strong. After all, he already admitted he needs your help, giving you a small upper hand.

"Look," He breathes out after a moment, his intimidating stance relaxing slightly. "If I tell you where I'm going will that put your mind at ease?"

"It will help." You reply, finding yourself quite curious to learn the answer.

"Then agree to come with me," He smirks dryly, his blue eyes watching you closely. "And I'll tell you."

"That's hardly fair." You scoff, turning to walk away. "No deal."

To your annoyance, the man quickly steps forward. Easily stopping you when his large hand wraps around your wrist. You're pulled back to face him, your body brushing against his large frame in the process. You can feel the warmth of his body as he leans down towards you.

"I don't have to give you a choice." He states in a sharp tone as his grip around you tightens. "But I think you'd rather pick me than the alternative."

"And what is that?" You question hotly, attempting to ignore the unexpected rush his actions elicit.

"Let's just say," He answers somewhat brusquely. "I look like a fucking Saint compared to what's waiting you the other way."

Your brow furrows lightly at the vague yet oddly ominous reply. While it could be a bluff, something in the man's expression gives you doubt. This worries you, as you hardly view the man favorably. Meaning you're quite uninclined to meet whatever group he views as unsavory. Sighing softly, you shake your head slightly.

"I feel as if I'm going to regret this," You begin, hoping you're making the right decision. "But fine, I will join you."

Dane smiles for the first time since you've met the man. A slight blush begins to spread over your cheeks as you're surprised by the unexpected expression. You can't help but begrudgingly admit to yourself that he's rather attractive. Regardless, you quickly try to dismiss these thoughts. Looks aside, his attitude and behavior is far from desirable. Taking a step back, you pull your wrist out of his now relaxed grip.

"You won't regret it." He says with another smile before turning and beginning to walk away.

"Wait," You call out, suddenly remembering his earlier promise. "You said you'd tell me where we're going."

"There's a base where I used to be stationed." He replies, after stopping before the fire and adding more kindling. "I've been trying to get back to it for sometime."

A small frown creases your brow as you're reminded of knowledge from your past. You feel almost hesitant to tell the truth to the man. However, you know it's likely better to share your information now. Especially given how easily the his mood can change.

"The base outside of town." You say slowly while fidgeting nervously with the hem of your shirt. "That got hit during the storm, it's gone."

Dane pauses before standing and facing you. His brow is furrowed as he steps forward and crosses his arms again.

"That's not the base I'm talking about." His tone has grown sharp again, and somewhat inquisitive. "But how do you know it got hit?"

"Because if it hadn't," You quickly lie, realizing you might be revealing too much knowledge. "They would have deployed and helped people. I never saw or heard any soldiers."

"You don't know much about the military do you?" The man scoffs slightly before shaking his head. "You're probably right though. However, where I'm headed is much further from here."

"Exactly how long is this trip going to take?" You inquire, not having considered this may be a long time engagement.

"Depends how quickly we travel." Dane replies, purposefully avoiding answering. "Which is why we leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" You repeat, your earlier words about regretting this decision ringing in your ears. "What's the rush?"

"I'll be honest, the others won't be happy when they realize we're not coming." He states bluntly, his tone putting you on a slight edge. "I'd like to have sufficient distance between us when that happens. Rest up, I don't want you holding us behind."

Sighing again in frustration, you begrudgingly oblige. You're not entirely sure what you've gotten yourself into. However, the man has certainly done his job in worrying you over the situation. You're only glad he seems to be more willing to answer some of your questions. Though you don't plan on asking any more right now. Best to wait until you're on your way and he's hopefully more relaxed. The fact that he's concerned only adds to your anxiety. Resolving to find out more in the morning, you sit down by the fire and think about what may be to come.