Page 28 of Cavern of Silence

And there is the real Hunter.

"Yep."

He puts on a fake smile. "I'm sorry, and it's all my fault?"

Bet everyone falls for your charm. Well I've seen enough manipulation to last a lifetime.

"I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to say, Julieta. My apology is genuine."

I should accept his apology and drop it, but he's irked me enough today.

"Information has consequences. You need to understand that. Actually, all you guys need to understand that."

"We only want to help."

Stop being a bitch.

I sigh. "I know. And I'm sorry I insinuated otherwise."

"So, can we call a truce?"

"Yes. But what about Vanessa?"

"What about her?"

She's the closest thing I have to a friend besides the other women, and I'm worried about her.

"How are you going to help her if she has another attack?"

"I don't know."

"You need to speak gentler."

"I'm trying."

"Try harder."

Okay, you didn't need to get that last dig in.

He scrubs his hands over his face. "I'm not out to hurt Vanessa. I've apologized. Please accept it. But let's leave Vanessa and my relationship between us."

I glare at him. But I'm also mad at myself I didn't handle this as well as I should have.

"Have a safe trip." He spins and walks back into the tent.

I blow out some air.I can't even accept an apology without being nasty.

When did I become this person?

Dirk and Zoe come out, and we say goodbye.

Ryker comes rushing out of the tent. "Julieta, what did Hunter do?"

"Well, he apologized."

He searches my eyes. "What else?"

I force a smile. "Nothing. We're good."