The Alliance by Shannon Stoker Read Free Book Online

her. Mia returned his hug.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re all right,” Andrew said. “I was worried.”
    â€œWhy?” Mia asked.
    Andrew didn’t respond at first.
    â€œBecause we were apart,” Andrew said. “I always worry about you when you’re not with me.”
    Mia knew he meant the words to comfort her, but she didn’t appreciate his tone. It was as if Andrew had forgotten all of Mia’s accomplishments. The way that she rescued him when the militia held him hostage, or how she was successful in figuring out what the militia wanted in order to get them to leave Affinity alone. She dropped her arms and backed away from him.
    â€œI was fine,” Mia said. “I can take care of myself.”
    â€œThat doesn’t mean you have to,” Andrew said.
    Their attention was diverted back to the rest of the group.
    â€œI wanted to welcome all of you to France,” Florence said.
    All of the men stared at Flo with blank faces.
    â€œTwo of you should come with us,” Flo said. “Start following us around the grounds. That way your presence will be known to my other employees. Fake papers have been drawn up for you. Once we land in America you are all playing the role of men in the American armed ser­vices handpicked to accompany me. Memorize your parts, because I fear you will be questioned.”
    â€œI’ll go,” Andrew said.
    â€œNo,” Mia said. “Bryan and Jesse. I know them the least. It will be easier for me to ignore them.”
    Andrew looked hurt, but Mia didn’t care at the moment. The idea that he would be watching her every move like she was a child was too much right now, and she didn’t think she could handle the temptation to speak with him. The two men stood up and walked over to them.
    â€œI’ll see you soon,” Mia said.
    She leaned in and gave Andrew a kiss on the cheek before walking back toward the door. Mia wasn’t sure if Flo was ready to leave, but Mia didn’t care at the moment. What kind of person did Mia want to become? Right now, a self-­sufficient one.

 
    UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE
    HarperCollins Publishers
    ....................................
    Chapter 11
    I regret not staying in the parking lot, I regret not staying overseas. I opened the door to my apartment and was greeted with a horrid stench. My deepest fears were realized. Wallace lay on the floor, unmoving and long bereft of life.
    â€”­The diary of Megan Jean
    Jesse and Bryan didn’t say anything to Mia as they sat outside and waited for Flo. Mia felt a pang of guilt for wanting to avoid Andrew, but she didn’t appreciate his demeanor toward her as of late. She didn’t know much about the two Affinity members. They’d spent two weeks preparing for this journey but never got to know each other. Mia had spent most of that time with a trainer, honing her hand-­to-­hand combat skills. Mia had wanted to work on the strategy of their mission, but Zack insisted she be fully capable of defending herself. At the time Mia thought he was right, but now she realized those skills would never come into play and Affinity was trying to keep Mia distracted.
    â€œWell that was awkward,” Flo said. “I thought Andrew was your . . . man?”
    â€œHe is,” Mia said.
    â€œTrouble in paradise?”
    â€œExcuse me?” Mia asked.
    â€œI find it so strange that you’re unfamiliar with clichés,” Flo said. “Is there a problem with your relationship?”
    â€œNot exactly,” Mia said. “He’s starting to make me feel like I’m not capable of taking care of myself.”
    â€œWell, is that a problem with him or a problem with you?”
    Mia raised an eyebrow.
    â€œLet’s keep walking,” Flo said. “You’re meeting with an accent coach this afternoon.”
    â€œWhat will he teach me?”
    â€œ She will teach you how to