Stay away from human men.
But how could I when every fiber of my being seemed drawn to him? The thought of his touch, the warmth of his skin against mine… I pushed the image away, my cheeks burning.
He opened the door. “It’s a Jeep,” he explained, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Might look like it’s been through a few scrapes, but it’ll get us to Leticia.”
The smell of dust and something sharp and chemical wafted out, mingling with the humid air. My muscles tensed, ready to bolt.
Run, Luzia, run.
He patted the worn seat. “Sit here.”
Each step toward the Jeep felt like a step farther from my world. I slid onto the seat, the cracked vinyl hot against my skin. The world tilted through the dusty window.
“There,” he said, a smile softening his features. “Not so bad, is it?”
I managed a weak nod, my stomach churning.
This was for my sister. For my people.
Caio slammed the door shut, the metallic clang echoing through me. I flinched and nearly screamed.
He rounded the Jeep and climbed in, the engine roaring to life with a throaty growl. I bit back a cry, my hands gripping the edge of the seat.
“Sorry,” he said, his hand resting gently on my knee. The warmth of his touch spread through me, a strange mix of comfort and alarm. “I keep forgetting.”
His eyes, kind and reassuring, met mine. I nodded, forcing myself to relax. I trusted him. Didn’t I?
The Jeep lurched backward, and I instinctively grabbed the door handle, ready to jump.
“Luzia,” he said softly. “All you have to do is sit back. This is the fastest way.”
“I think I’d rather walk,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Caio stopped the Jeep, the engine idling softly. “It would take most of the day to walk.”
He was right. I didn’t have time to waste. My sister needed me. The flower was out there, somewhere, but I had no idea where to start looking.
“Fine,” I conceded, my voice tight with anxiety.
His hand squeezed my knee reassuringly. I covered his hand with mine, the warmth of his skin a welcome anchor in the storm of my emotions.
“I need this hand to drive,” he said gently.
“Are you sure?” I asked, reluctant to let go.
A gentle chuckle escaped his lips. “Of course.”
I pulled my hand away, the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin. I closed my eyes, trying to banish the thoughts that swirled in my mind.
Focus, Luzia. Your sister needs you.
The Jeep bounced and swayed along the rough track, each jolt pulling me farther from the familiar comfort of the river. A pang of guilt echoed in my heart.
I should be searching for the flower, not chasing artifacts.
But the museum held a different kind of hope, a chance to reclaim a piece of my heritage, a piece of myself. And since I had no idea where the flower was, I took the only lead available, which would also keep me with Caio.
As the track smoothed out onto the hard road, the Jeep picked up speed. The wind whipped through my hair, blurring the world around me. A thrill, sharp and unexpected, coursed through me.This was exhilarating.This was what it felt like to live on land, to fly across the earth instead of gliding through the river.
