Free Veracity (The Seven Cities Book 1) by Lindsey Stell

that, but . . . it just doesn't seem real," I say.
    "Those rebels probably filled your head with all kinds of nonsense," one of the soldiers says. "Doesn't make much sense to just wipe it all out though. Maybe they just wanted you good and confused when we found you."
    "You think I was with rebels?" I ask, my interest piqued.
    Grayson casts a disapproving look in the soldier's direction.
    "He is just making assumptions." Grayson says, standing up. "There are not many people out here, so rebels are a logical choice. Enough questions for now, it's time to load up."
    Grayson lifts me back up on the horse, and it's just as terrifying as the first time. The beast shakes his head back and forth, neighing loudly and pawing the ground. Grayson saddles up behind me, and the horse instantly settles down.
    He definitely has that quality to him, a quiet fierceness that compels people, and apparently animals, to feel safe. I am certainly not immune to it. When he is close, the anxiety that plagues me subsides, and I feel calmer. His stray glances and soft words, on the other hand, make me feel something quite different all together.
    The second half of today's ride is more entertaining, with the soldiers passing time telling jokes to one another; some of which I probably shouldn't be hearing. As the sun starts to set, we come upon an old farmhouse with several stories and porches that wrap around the entire first floor.
    One of the soldiers hops off his horse and walks to the tall razor lined fence surrounding the property. He pulls out a set of keys and unlocks the narrow gate. Throwing a big smile back to us, he swings it open.  The other soldiers let out whoops and hollers, unexplainably excited to be here.
    I have to admit, the farmhouse is a dream, nicer than the safe house even. I'm no fool; I understand why they take such care with these houses. Even I wasn't totally convinced the city was where I belonged until I was safe and warm inside the first one. When you have been out in the wilderness with all its horrors, nothing is as alluring as comfort. After only a few days of travel, clean sheets and sweet smelling shampoo is almost hypnotic.
    The young men arrive at the house first, laughing and shoving each other as they walk through the door. Gone are the intimidating soldiers, and in their place are boys ready for some time off. Grayson, of course, is steady and silent behind me as we finish our trek up the drive. He dismounts without a word, putting his hands around my waist to help me dismount.
    Grayson doesn't step away when he pulls me down, and with the horse at my back, there are only inches between us, his gaze dark and intense as he stares down at me. Standing very still, I meet his stare, clueless to what he wants from me. His expression looks hungry. I fear he would eat me up if he could, and I have the fiercest desire to let him. How can a stranger make me feel this way? My nerves run wild, radiating out from where his hands are still tight against my waist. He shifts, bringing his body closer to my own.
    "Are you okay?" he asks breaking the silence, but not the tension, between us.
    "Y-Yes." I stammer. "I'm fine."
    "We better get you inside." he says, backing away suddenly and heading for the door.
    I am grateful for the opportunity to walk behind him, needing a few moments of clarity. Why was I being such a girl? I am in the middle of no-where, surrounded by strangers with no clue as to who I am or where I am headed, and all I can think about is whether or not I was blushing.
    We walk into the farmhouse and join Grayson's men who have already made themselves at home by kicking off their dusty boots and starting a game of cards. One lone soldier rummages around in the kitchen, heating up what smells like soup over a wood-burning stove. I want to stop in the kitchen and take a peek, but Grayson is herding me upstairs.
    He directs me to what will serve as my bedroom, a tiny thing at the end of a long hallway. The only