Page 115 of The Hunter's Empire

I stay perfectly still, waiting as one patrol passes, then another. Only when their lights finally disappear deeper into the jungle do I slip silently through the brush until I'm crouching beside her.

The moment she senses movement, she spins toward me in alarm. But I catch her before she can make a sound, pressing a hand gently but firmly over her mouth.

Her eyes widen the instant she recognizes me. The fear that had tightened every muscle in her body melts into unmistakable relief, and for a brief moment she simply stares at me as though convincing herself I'm actually here.

I lower my hand.

"You came back." She whispers.

I raise an eyebrow. "You sound surprised."

A faint, exhausted smile touches her lips before disappearing. "I kept telling myself you would. But…" She looks away for a second. "I wasn't entirely sure."

Something twists uncomfortably in my chest. I can't fault her for doubting me. We've spent more time trying to outsmart each other than trusting each other, and yet hearing the uncertainty in her voice still lands harder than I expect.

I glance toward the flashlights weaving through the trees. "We'll discuss my reliability after we get off this island."

She nods.

We remain hidden until the last beam of light disappears into the darkness. Only then do I help her out from between the rocks. The moment her injured foot touches the ground, herankle gives out beneath her. She stumbles with a sharp gasp, and I catch her before she can fall.

"I'm fine." She says quickly.

I glance at her swollen ankle. "No, you're not."

"I can walk."

"You can limp."

"I'll manage."

I hold her gaze for a moment before turning around and crouching with my back toward her. "Get on."

She blinks. "Nico..."

"Get on."

"I don't need you carrying me."

"You won't make it through the jungle like that."

"I'll slow you down."

"You already are."

Silence follows. I can practically feel the glare she's directing at the back of my head.

"I really don't like you sometimes."

"So I've noticed."

She remains stubbornly still for several more seconds before finally letting out a quiet, defeated sigh. A moment later, I feel her arms slide around my shoulders as I lift her onto my back and continue into the darkness.

Eventually, she breaks the silence.

"Thank you."

I don't look back. "Save it."