Read Online Defeat the Darkness (Hearts of Darkness) by Eliza March - Free Book Online Page B

Shelby risk the call. Wasn’t it bad enough Max had taken on the role of babysitter since Kyle left? Between his work and caring for her, his own social life had come to a grinding halt.
    Was it fair dragging Max into all this? Or was it right? He and Kyle had been close these last few years—Max would want to be involved and she needed someone she trusted implicitly. Other than Kyle, Max was that person.
    Besides, Mr. Hamilton, his father had all the right contacts.
    With her cell phone glued to her ear, she paced the bedroom picking up discarded clothes, and waited for him to answer.
    Thankfully, Max picked up on the fourth ring. Any more waiting and she’d have chewed off one of her fingers.
    “Hey, Shelby girl, did you change your mind about that Yankee and decide to settle down with your good ole boy.” His charm poured through her, relaxing the tension a bit. She trusted him. He’d help. He’d make this better.
    “Max, something’s wrong in Guatemala. Dr. Salazar just called and told me Kyle is missing.”
    “What? What happened?”
    “Apparently Kyle joined a search party looking for a teen he befriended who went off into the jungle. Salazar said something about jaguars attacking the local villagers in the area. Neither Kyle nor the boy have been seen—”
    “Calm down, baby. How long?”
    “Four-five days, now.” She ended the statement with a sob.
    “Do you want me to call down there and see what I can find out?”
    “Yes, sure. What can you do about getting me into the country ASAP?”
    “I can’t get away until Tuesday, and I don’t want you going there alone.”
    “I can’t wait. I’m getting the run around from all the agencies, state and federal, and stonewalled by the local Guatemalan authorities. I need answers. I want to be there, now. Now, dammit.”
    “Hold your horses, darlin’. Let me call my dad and do a little diggin’ around. I’ll get right back to you.”
    He always had been able to settle her, calming her down when she went off on a tangent.
    “Shelby? You hear me? Take it easy, hon. You remember , your Yank’s a big boy. He took all those survival courses. He’s tough. I’m sure he can hold his own under the worst of circumstances.”
    “Thanks, oh God, thank you, Max.”
    “I haven’t done anything yet, sweetheart. You stay put, and I’ll call you right back. We’ll find that boy of yours. Luv ya, doll face.”
    “I love you, too.” She started to tap “off” but thought of something. “Max, wait.”
    She still loved Max—loved spending time with him, and had even loved making love to him at one time. Who wouldn’t want him as a best friend with benefits? The man was sensitive, hot as hell, and charming. On top of everything else, she had to admit he was her best friend.
    “Yeah?”
    “You know how much I do...you know...love you? Don’t you?” The darn tears burned her eyes. She meant it. She’d loved Max for as long as she could remember—not the same way she loved Kyle but just as deeply. He was her rock.
    There was a long pause before she heard Max clear his throat and say, “I know.” His words were spoken softly and followed with a sigh.
    “You have that special way of making cockiness an art form and taking conceit to a whole new level, but sometimes I miss it like a toothache.”
    More like a comfortable old sweatshirt, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of gloating. The idea was almost enough to make her laugh because he wouldn’t appreciate either analogy. Believing he was the epitome of a southern gentleman, all dressed to perfection, and neat, he’d rage against the old sweatshirt analogy.
    “Be nice. You are seeking my assistance, if I remember correctly,” he responded, polite to a fault.
    “Call me. I’m waiting.” She wasn’t in the mood to be polite. The last few months being with Max, apart from Kyle, had taken a toll on her. If Kyle planned dropping out of the scene and throwing her and Max back together as a