“Get in the shelter.”
“You ordering me around now?”
“Yes.”
Despite myself, something dangerously close to a smile tugs at my mouth.
Then another brutal gust tears through the rocks, carrying snow and ice with it.
Decision made.
I duck farther inside.
Space is tight enough that shoulders press together immediately.
Olivia shifts beside me to make room—
And accidentally leans straight into my injured side.
Pain flashes hot beneath my ribs.
Her eyes widen instantly. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine.”
Lie.
But I don’t move away.
Neither does she.
Because there’s nowhere else to go.
That’s what we’re both pretending anyway.
The wind howls through the narrow opening while the shelter fills with uneven breathing and shivering kids.
“You cold?” I ask quietly.
Olivia lets out a short laugh that fogs in the air. “What gave it away?”
I glance down.
Her hands are curled tightly into the sleeves of her sweater, shoulders trembling despite how hard she’s trying to hide it.
Without really thinking about it, I shift closer.
Just enough.
Her shoulder settles more firmly against my chest.
Warmth immediately spreads through the space between us.
Her breath catches softly.
“Better?” I ask.
A pause.
