Aug 1 I sat on a small folding chair by the side of the camp , my ankle wrapped in fresh bandages and propped up on a low stool . The pain was dulled now , but the memory of last night burned harder than anything , I still hadn't figured out how to feel . Andrew sat beside me , handing me a cup of warm tea . " You sure you're okay ? " he asked , his voice soft but full of concern . " I'm fine , " I replied , avoiding his eyes . " Just mad . " He leaned in slightly , watching me . " Want to talk about it ? " I shook my head quickly . " I can't . Not really " It was the truth . I didn't even know how to explain it . Rick had come for me through a storm , carned me through the woods , held me all night like he couldn't breathe without me … then turned around and apologized to Benita . Apologized . I didn't even get a second glance . I stared ahead blankly , thinking about how his palm had rested against my cheek , how his arms had held me so tight , like I belonged there . Like nothing else existed . And then this morning , he just " Fiona , " Andrew called , drawing me out of the swirl in my head . " You okay ? " I blinked and looked at him . " Yeah . Sorry , I zoned out . " He nodded and smiled , his eyes full of patience . " Want me to help you back to your tent ? " " Please ," I said . He stood and offered his hand . I took it , leaning on his side as we slowly made our way through the trees and tents . His arm was firm my waist , guiding me gently but steadily . When we reached my tent , he helped me ease down onto the mat and adjusted the pillows c my back " Thanks , " I said , resting my head for a moment . " I'll hang out with you today ," he said as he sat beside me . " You shouldn't be moving around anyway ." I chuckled lightly . " You sure ? Don't you have activities to be a part of ? " " Nothing more important than keeping you company . " That made me pause . His kindness felt like a balm against everything I was trying not to feel . Rick was probably off doing the scavenger activities with Benita . Probably laughing . Probably pretending like nothing happened . I told myself it didn't matter , I told myself I didn't care . " Alright , " I said , pulling the blanket over my legs . " But only if you tell me something funny . " He grinned . " Deal . " The morning was already buzzing by the time I got back from having my ankle locked at . I was still sore and mentally exhausted from everything that had happened , but I forced myself to move . Rick hadn't spoken to me since the night before . Not a word . And I didn't want one either . Not after hearing him tell Benita he'd make it up to her . So when I saw Andrew waiting near the mess tent , I went straight to him . He looked relieved when his eyes landed on me . " You shouldn't be walking so much yet . How's your leg ? " " I'm fine , it's just a little sore . Nothing major . " 1/3 Chapter 39 He narrowed his eyes like he didn't believe me , then gave a quiet sigh . " I was worried . You shouldn't have gone off alone like that . You scared everyone . " I managed a tired smile . " Well , I'm here now . And in one piece . " He nodded and offered me his arm without saying anything else . I hesitated for a second , then took it . If Rick could play games , so could Everyone was already gathered around for the formal announcement . Chairs were set up grateful to be away from the tension with Rick under the main copy . I sat down beside Andrew , Except I couldn't avoid it for long . Rick walked in with Benita on his heels . His eyes scanned the area instantly and locked on me and Andrew . His jaw clenched . The tension in his shoulders was so obvious it made my chest tighten . Andrew leaned in to whisper something and I laughed before I even processed what he said . It was just nice to not feel suffocated for a second . " You two seem cory , " someone mumbled from a nearby table . I ignored it . Rick didn't . The meeting began , but Rick never looked away . He sat across from us , arms crossed over his chest , eyes fixed on Andrew's hand resting too close to mine . Every time Andrew leaned in to talk , Rick's fingers twitched . The speaker droned on about updates to the partnership agreement and some planned hikes , but the air around me was thick , 100 Rick's stare crawling up my neck . Andrew nudged me with a grin . " Hey , are you even listening ? " I shook my head , laughing again .. That was it . Rick stood up . Everyone went quiet . Even the speaker trailed off Rick crossed the space slowly . Deliberately . He stopped in front of me , eyes locked on mine . " Stand up . " My brows pulled together . " What ? " " I said stand up I stood , heart pounding , unsure if I was angry or terrified or both . Rick didn't say a word . He just wrapped an arm around my waist and yanked me flush against him . His other hand rose to cup the back of my neck . " She's my wife , " he said , loud enough for everyone to hear . " In case anyone needed reminding I sucked in a breath . 10:12 Wed , 27 Aug 01 Chapter 39 7 His eyes flicked down to my lips , then back up . And then he kissed me fully and completely I felt his hand tighten against my spine as his mouth moved over mine . I stiffened , hands gripping his shirt , stunned . My heart thudded in my ears . The kiss wasn't soft . It was claiming . When he pulled back , he kept his mouth inches from mine . " Don't let me see you laughing with him again . " Everyone was staring . I could feel it . Benita's face had gone pale . Andrew looked stunned . But Rick didn't care . He kissed me once more , slower this time , then whispered , " Mine . " Then he turned and walked off . I stood there , breathless , shaken , my lips still tingling . My hands trembled slightly as I sat back down . Andrew shifted uncomfortably beside me . " Well , " he muttered . " That happened . " I didn't respond . I couldn't . I was still trying to breathe . G Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!