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My smile grew, and I gave him a nod before returning my attention to the hike ahead of us. We walked in silence for a bit, absorbing the scenery. There was some scary-ass shit out in this forest, but when I wasn’t about to be flayed by sharp claws, the woods really were peaceful.

“You know, this place is just so gorgeous,” I commented with a sigh.

“I know. But it’s not the only thing that’s beautiful...”

I faced him, finding his deep brown eyes staring at me, causing me to blush. I quickly looked away. “So,” I started, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear, “how did you come to be a rebel?”

He chuckled, recognizing my mild embarrassment. “Well, there’s not much to it, really. My parents died during an assignment when I was just a kid, and the rest of the Dissenters took me in. I was raised with the rebels. I owe them everything.”

“Oh.” I felt bad for him. He was an orphan, a loyal son of the Dissenters. Even though I wasn’t responsible for Raúl, there was a part of me that felt guilty. My dad was responsible for all of this. “I’m sorry.”

He looked at me, that sweet smile always so reassuring. “For what? It’s not your fault.”

I shifted my gaze down to the ground at my feet. “I know it’s not my fault, but it’s Raúl’s fault. If it hadn’t been for my family, maybe you’d still have yours.”

“Hey,” he stopped walking, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward him. Taking my face into his hands, he stared into my eyes, enveloping me with the warmth of his smile. “Listen to me. My family died for what they believed in. I don’t blame you or anyone else for the choices they made. And I don’t regret any part of my life. So, don’t feel sorry for me, okay? You don’t owe me anything, least of all an apology.”

I blinked, stunned by his graciousness. His thumb rubbed my cheek tenderly, and his eyes slowly shifted downward, landing on my lips. My heart leapt into my throat and time stood still.

The smile faded from his face, and a look I could only describe as pure hunger filled his eyes causing me to shiver. Still cradling my face, he slowly drew me towards him. My heart skittered as I held my breath, eyes closing in anticipation.

I wanted this.

I wantedhim.

And as I felt the heat of his breath on my lips, a sound broke the silence.

Bing!

Everything stopped. My eyes fluttered open—vision filled with Matias, his lips, and the kiss that lingered between us.

Bing!

Matias looked down as his tab flashed. Tilting his wrist to see the screen, the look on his face changed. “It’s Chelsea.”

Damn Chelsea.

He stepped back, tapping on the screen as he did. “She’s looking for me.”

Of course she is.I sighed.

“We better finish heading back.” Looking back at me, he smiled and winked.

My entire body jittered. “Sure thing,” I managed to mutter. God, I loved that grin.

His hand swooped down, entangling his fingers with mine. “Come on, let’s go.” I would have preferred the kiss, but I’d accept handholding for now.

26: Promised

Thatnightinthecafeteria, Edith and Chelsea were sitting across from each other, but after a few whispered words from Matias into Edith’s ear, a mischievous grin crossed her face, and she promptly shifted her bowl across the table before replanting herself right next to Chelsea. This left a spot for two available on the other side. My cheeks reddened, and it took everything within me to keep from grinning like a buffoon. Edith didn’t even try to hide her devilish smile, whereas Chelsea looked like she was two seconds away from stabbing me with her fork. It was enough to slap the giddy right out of me.

Taking his seat, Matias patted the spot right next to him, a playful smile gracing his face. I couldn’t help but smile too as I accepted the seat, placing my bowl of mystery grub on the table.

“So,” Chelsea glowered, “Edith tells me you got lost.”

“Uh, yeah…” I took a tentative taste of the mystery food. It was actually good for once. Sweet and creamy. “But thanks to Edith, Wes and Matias found me in no time. So, it was really no big deal.”

“Wes?” Edith arched a brow. “I didn’t message Wes.”