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Jameson went quiet again. I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he’d liked me for so long.

“Mostly, I thought you wanted a smart guy, with degrees. I remember you and Alfie talking for ages about stuff that made my head spin.”

“Jameson, you are one of the smartest men I know. Believe me, Alfie could not have held his own in our current situation. He couldn’t have led his squad, saved me, and killed that monster. There are different kinds of smarts. Added to being brave, loyal, and a brilliant leader, I think that makes you pretty darn amazing, Jameson Steele.”

“Shit, Greer.” His voice was thick with emotion.

“And the muscles, don’t forget those.” I squeezed his fingers. “Ireallylike your body.”

Now he chuckled. “Happy to hear that. I’m pretty fond of yours too.”

Just then, one of the monsters looked over at us. I stiffened. Its eyes glowing red in the darkness and it let out two guttural grunts.

The canine rose from where it was sleeping beside the fire. It loped over to us. It was far larger than a regular dog and had one red eye and one blue eye. Its shaggy fur was matted and when it snarled, I stared at its fangs.

My chest hitched. It could easily tear us apart. “Good doggie.”

“Shh,” Jameson warned.

It circled us and growled.

The monster by the fire grunted again, and the canine reluctantly returned to its master.

I let out a breath, and leaned back against Jameson.

“Try to get some sleep if you can,” he said.

“I think that’s impossible.”

“We are getting out of here, Greer.”

“That’s right. I’m looking forward to those days off in your bed.”

“Naked.”

I went quiet for a moment. “Jameson, I’m going to fall in love with you.”

He was silent for a moment. “Good. I’m already falling for you.”

Warmth filled my chest.God. This man. This good, solid, strong man was mine. I felt it in my gut and my heart. I wanted to make him happy, hear him laugh, make a life together. He’d never hold me back, and he’d always support me.

Yes, I was going to fall in love with Jameson Steele.

But first, we had to escape and stay alive. I looked around at the thick darkness and even thicker bush. How the hell would Hunter Squad find us? Especially without tipping off our captors?

Jameson believed in them, and so would I.

“Get some rest, Greer. You’ll need it. If we get free, we’re going to need to move fast. And if my squad finds us first, we need to be ready.”

I glanced at the monsters. “I’ll try.”

“I’ll stay awake and keep watch. You’re safe.”

Such a good guy, and he was all mine. “Okay.”

I was certain I would never fall asleep, but with the warmth of Jameson at my back, and knowing he was keeping watch, I found my eyelids drooping.

Shockingly, I drifted off to sleep.