Page 12 of Cavern of Silence

Oh my God. What did I just say? What kind of socially inept moron have I become?

A fire of warmth creeps into my cheeks.

"You have the sexiest blush," he blurts out then he winces as if he realizes what he said.

My face becomes hotter, and I freak, try to stand, but bump my head into his.

"Oh, jeez," I cry out and hold my skull while slamming back onto my butt.

"Julieta, are you okay?" he asks while holding his nose.

"Are you bleeding?"

He shakes his head and slowly lowers his hand. "Think I'm good."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. Why don't I stand first and then I'll pull you up?"

"Umm...sure."

We successfully get on our feet, and he leads me to the other side of the tent where the first aid kits are. We sit and he positions my legs on top of his, and zings fly to my core.

Why am I feeling like this?

You aren't a kid anymore. Control yourself.

"Looks like a nasty cut."

"I won't die."

He freezes, and his jaw clenches.

"Sorry, did I say something wrong? I've been in a dirt pit for so long that I'm not sure if I'm speaking English. I do speak Spanish, too, so maybe I'm mixing up my words. It could happen. I did talk to myself a lot before Zoe and Penelope arrived. Then Vanessa came. It was only today that Naomi and Emilia arrived. If I've gone crazy, it wouldn't surprise me. I..."

His lips twitch, and I realize I'm babbling like an idiot.

Oh God. I'm so bad at this.

This. What am I trying to say this is?

There is no this. He's rescuing me, might be a part of the Global Leaders, and either knows it or not, and I'm doing what? Thinking I'm going to fall madly in love with the hot, sexy stud who carried me through the jungle?

No, no, no. Not happening. This is reality, Julieta.

"Sorry. I—"

"I've talked to myself before," he blurts out.

Silence.

He glances at the ceiling.

Dirk comes over and hands me a package of food.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. That cut looks nasty."