Vivienne stretched, trying to work the stiffness from her back, when Cirrus approached, handing her a breakfast packet.
"Oh. Thanks," she said, caught off guard.
He grinned. "You’re neither outdoorsy nor a morning person. Figured for the crew’s safety, ‘hungry’ shouldn’t be added to the list."
She rolled her eyes, snatching the food from his hand. Gods, she was starving. She barely noticed Lewis watching from across camp, his gaze bouncing between her and Cirrus. Shifting to put more space between them, she chewed a bite of dry bread.
"So..." she mumbled, "Did you enjoy cuddling with Commander Thorne last night?"
Cirrus scowled. "Yes. How generous of him to grace us with the pleasure of his company." He tied back his shoulder length hair, angling his face toward her. "Did you?"
She noted the layers beneath the question. He’d been watching her, waiting for some sign, some hint of lingering feelings. Toying with him was too tempting.
"Of course," she teased. "He’s a great kisser. But, I assume you already know that."
Cirrus' jaw tensed. "Are you trying to make me jealous?"
"No need. There’s plenty of the commander to go around." She smirked. "Happy to share."
"Funny, Banns," he muttered, clearly not finding any humor in her taunting.
He rolled his shoulders, shaking off the moment. "The real reason I came over," he continued, "is that after foraging, you and I are scouting and filling in gaps on the map."
"Alone?" she asked, choking on her food.
"Unless you’d prefer for mother hen join us as chaperone?" His brows lifted in challenge.
As if summoned, Commander Thorne approached.
"Miss Banner, Mr. Theodosia," he greeted with a small bow of his head. "You two, Mr. Blume, and several others will forage in the northwest section, beginning thirty yards past the tree line. Be ready in ten minutes."
Cirrus donned a crooked grin, shooting her a knowing look. Vivienne suddenly felt like she was walking into something she couldn’t prepare for.
* * *
The rainforest pulsedwith life despite the stifling heat. Small streams snaked through lush vegetation, watering clusters of vivid red, blue, and orange flowers. Birds in striking colors darted between the trees, their calls sharp and unfamiliar.
Vivienne walked beside Lewis, who was in much better spirits after talking with Melodie. A twinge of guilt pinched her.I should have been the one to help him yesterday.
"Did you sleep last night?" she asked.
Lewis yawned, shaking his head. "Not really. I was convinced we’d be eaten."
"Eaten?" she repeated, eyes wide.
"Not an animal—Florence. She snores like one." He plucked a cluster of pink berries from a bush. "Didn’t think something that small could make a sound that big."
Vivienne stifled a laugh. "Think anyone’s told her?"
"If they did, they’re no longer alive to repeat it.” He smirked. "Between her and an actual wild animal, I’d take my chances with the latter."
Cirrus emerged from the foliage, his arms full of golden fruit resembling a mix of pears and pomegranates. He spun one in his hand with a satisfied grin. "Plenty of these trees nearby. We could bring back a decent haul.”
Vivienne eyed the fruit. "Are they safe?"
Cirrus rolled his eyes. "I’m fairly sure, and you could just say thank you."
"We’d rather not poison the entire crew," she countered, then turned to Lewis. "Can you identify them?"
