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I can't help but feel a sense of pride at her words.
"You're welcome," I say, standing up and offering her a hand up.
"And for what it's worth, I'm glad we're in this together."
She gives me a hesitant smile, and I know that she's still not fully convinced.
But it's a start.
We climb into the tent and awkwardly settle into our sleeping bags, trying to give each other as much space as possible.
But it's a small tent, and our legs and arms inevitably brush against each other.
I'm acutely aware of the warmth of her body, and I fight the urge to move closer.
"It's cold," she says, at last.
"I know," I reply, wondering if it's a suggestion for us to cuddle up together.
But before I can act on that thought, Diana scoots closer and nestles her head against my chest.
She puts one arm around me and I do the same, wrapping myself around her like a blanket.
We fall asleep like this, both of us filled with contentment and peace as we drift into the night.
We'd created our own little moment of freedom in the wilderness, safe under the stars from all of life's troubles.
Chapter 9
Diana
Iwaketothewarmth of Anthony’s arms around me and the steady thump of his heartbeat against my back.
My eyes flutter open, blinking against the bright sunlight filtering through the trees.
Despite knowing better, I savor the comfort and warmth of his arms because after many, many days, I truly feel safe.
Unfortunately for me, I've never been one to live in the moment, and even my little, innocent joy is shaded by the harsh reality of the circumstances which is that no matter how I feel, we aren't safe.
We’re still out in the open in some random campsite.
Still on the run.
Guilt and longing war within me as I gaze at our tangled limbs.
I shouldn’t want this—shouldn’t want him.
Not when our marriage was arranged by men like my father and his and especially not when they’re willing to kill to keep us together - to even kill us if it comes to their honor.
Anthony stirs behind me.
His arms tighten around my waist, and he presses a soft kiss to the back of my neck.
“Morning,” he murmurs.
Heat floods my cheeks.
I swallow hard, unsure of how to respond.
