How to Ruin Series Part 181

"What right did you have to recruit her?"

"I was team leader. I made the decision based on my professional opinion of her abilities."

The bald guy crosses his arms over his chest. "You've got to be kidding me."

I raise my hand tentatively.

"What?" he barks at me, just as the rest of Avi's squad enters the tent.

"Sir, I might not be Israeli, but my father is. He was a commando. And my boyfriend is a Sayeret Tzefa trainee. I'm trained in Krav Maga and I've just spent time in boot camp."

"She's a good soldier," Nimrod says from behind Sergeant B-S. "If it weren't for her being a decoy, our squad would have lost. Avi made the right decision."

"Ze nachon-it's true," Ori says.

Nimrod shrugs. "It was quick thinking on Avi's part. And Amy's, too. Protecting someone unarmed would have put him at a further disadvantage, so he gave her the means to protect herself."

Sergeant B-S turns to Avi's current superior.

"Commander, what's your a.s.sessment?"

The bald commander stares at Avi and me. "I think Gefen should be reprimanded for not following procedure.

And commended for his quick thinking."

"Does that mean he's not in trouble?" I ask hopefully.

"That means he gets the pleasure of running extra kilometers every day for the next week," the commander says.

"Don't think you're free and clear of this mess, Ms. Nelson-Barak," Sergeant B- S tells me. "I'm thinking of a.s.signing you permanent kitchen duty until you leave."

Ugh. Not again. Picking bees out of jam, brus.h.i.+ng ants off bread. Amy, look on the bright side, I tell myself. Well, at least I'm not going to be eating any more Loof. Next to Loof, the food back on base is an absolute delicacy.

How's that for positivity?

"Move out, everyone," Sergeant B-S calls out. "You've got a few hours to sleep before wakeup." He then tells me that Liron is waiting for us in a military jeep to drive us back to the campsite.

I look over at Avi, and a wave of sadness washes over me. What if I don't see him for another year?

"I'll give you five minutes, Gefen."

Sergeant B-S points to Nimrod. "Stay here as chaperone."

Nimrod nods, then when everyone leaves the tent besides the three of us, Nimrod turns around and gives us what little privacy he can.

Avi takes me in his arms and holds me close.

A lump forms in my throat and tears well in my eyes. I can't keep the first tear from falling. Avi holds my face in his hands and swipes the tear away.

"Tell her you love her already," Nimrod says, his back still to us.

"She already knows I do," Avi says.

"Girls like to be told."

"How would you know?" Avi shoots back.

Nimrod shrugs. "I don't. I'm guessing."

Avi leans down and kisses me, his lips warm and gentle. I pull him closer, not wanting to let him go.

When Nimrod coughs out a one-minute warning, Avi pulls back. We're both breathless. "Be good and stay out of trouble," he tells me.

"It's me you're talking to, Avi."

He smiles. "Yeah, I know. Forget what I said. Be spontaneous. It's what makes you special. I love that about you."

"I have a new motto in life. Wanna know what it is?"

"Yeah."

"Everything in the end is going to be sababa. You and me, my mom's new baby, my dad and Marla ... even Jessica and Tarik."

"You want to know my new motto, Amy?"

"Yeah."

"Gefen, I hate to break up this sababa party," Nimrod says. "But time's up. Your girlfriend's got to go." He puts his hands up in mock surrender. "Sergeant's orders."

"Go," Avi whispers in my ear. "Before I'm tempted to go with you."

"Wait," I say, as Sergeant B-S bellows my name and orders me out of the tent.

"What's your motto?"

Avi winks at me. "Look in your pockets when you get back tonight."

I hop in the back of the jeep Liron is driving. Sergeant B-S is sitting in the front seat next to her. I'm frantically searching for whatever Avi left for me in one of my pockets. I reach in and pull out a piece of crumpled paper. When I open it, Avi's Sayeret Tzefa medallion drops into my hand. I remember the words he said were etched on it: Respect, Strength, and Honor.

Back at the campground, I take my headlight under my sleeping bag and examine the medallion. The paper the medallion was wrapped in has handwritten words on it: it's a note from Avi. Tears come to my eyes as I read the words over and over ...

You'll always hold a part of me, Amy, whether we're together or not. Love, Avi When I fall asleep that night, with the medallion in one hand and George II in the other, I know that even if Avi and I aren't together physically, nothing can keep us apart ever again. Well, except my dad ...

especially after he finds out Avi and I stayed at a hotel alone. Dodging that bullet will prove harder than dodging those paintb.a.l.l.s.

This adventure called my life is never dull, that's for sure!

About the Author.

Simone Elkeles was born and raised in the Chicago area. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in Industrial Relations from Loyola University Chicago. She was president and CEO of her own manufacturing company before selling it in 1999 to stay home with her children. Simone started writing young adult and historical fiction novels while raising her kids and has earned numerous writing awards for her work. She strives to write emotional stories that touch the lives of her readers.

Simone loves to hear from her readers!

Contact her through her website at www.simoneelkeles.com.

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