Lost World Read Online Free PDF Page B

he was with Emily. He was good with her, which took me by surprise. It’s even more shocking to see him talk to the boys, though. He hasn’t really paid the kids much attention before now. Maybe he was keeping his distance after losing Emily. Guarding himself against getting hurt again. Anything is possible, even with Angus.
    “I never did like McDonald’s,” Lila says, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
    Angus drops down on the stone bench and pulls out his knife. “That’s ‘cause you was too busy eatin’ gold-coated fillet. Ain’t that right?”
    Lila’s face turns red, and Al jumps to his feet. He points his handless arm at Angus. “You have a problem with her because she had money?”
    Angus slides his knife down the rabbit’s body, then looks up at Al. “Nope. I got a problem with her ‘cause every time she looks my way she makes a face. Like I’m a bum sittin’ outside her mansion, beggin’ for money. I ain’t gonna play nice when she’s busy bein’ a stuck-up bitch. Now get that stump outta my face so I can get ya’ll some dinner.”
    Just like that, Angus’s soft side melts away.
    “Damn,” Axl mutters.
    I know he’s hoping his brother will eventually settle down and fit in, but I think it’s a lost cause. This is about as close as Angus is going to get, which means he’s almost tolerable fifty percent of the time.
    Axl’s eyes move over the group, and his body stiffens. “Where’d everybody go?”
    “To town to get meds,” Joshua says.
    “Shit.” Axl’s arm drops from my shoulder. “Thought I told you to wait.”
    Anne hugs Jake tight and glares at Axl. “Jake needs antibiotics.”
    Axl slowly blows all the air out of his lungs, then nods. “You’re right. Just wanted to go with ‘em, that’s all. Wanted to make sure they was safe.”
    “They’re good, Axl,” Winston says. “You aren’t responsible for everything.”
    Axl nods, his eyes focused on the ground. “Yeah, I know.”
    “Why don’t you go take a bath? Relax for a change.” Joshua tosses something Axl’s way, and he catches it. He opens his hand to reveal a bar of soap.
    “Yeah. Don’t sound half bad.” He looks toward his brother. “You got this under control, Angus?”
    “Yeah, yeah. You and Blondie head on up there and get freaky. I’ll make sure everybody gets somethin’ to eat.”
    “Shut up, Angus,” Axl snaps.
    I glare at Angus as I pick up the clean clothes I have waiting for Axl and me. The asshole just grins, of course. Whatever. I can’t wait to get clean, and there’s no way I’m going to let Angus ruin it.
    “Ignore him.” I grab Axl’s hand and pull him toward the stairs that lead up to the smaller of the two hot springs.
    The soft glow of the lanterns left behind by the others help light our way. All the adults bathed up here where it was more private. Some alone and some not—like Al and Lila. They were louder than they should have been, leading little Ava to ask her mom if Lila was crying. Sophia said yes.
    From up here, we can see everything. The hot spring and the rest of the group sitting around the fire, as well as the forest in the distance. It’s a nice view, but not nearly as alluring as the heat coming off the little pool of water in front of me. I set our clean clothes down, then pull my filthy shirt off. My pants follow, which makes Axl look over his shoulder.
    “They can’t see us,” I say. “I made sure earlier when everyone else was up here. All they can really see from down there are our heads. It was probably designed that way on purpose.”
    “Clothes optional,” Axl says.
    “Not when I’m up here with you.” I yank his shirt over his head, then go for the zipper on his jeans. “When you’re here, it’s clothes prohibited.”
    He grins, his eyes holding mine. “That right?”
    I ease his jeans down, smiling up at him the whole time. “That’s right.”
    The second we’re both naked, I head for the hot spring. The air is chilly and standing out in