“Go to sleep,” I said, planting a small kiss to her forehead. She nuzzled against me, snaking her small arm around my middle. I pulled her against me, letting her use me like a pillow.
Nat’s eyes opened briefly, looking between Odessa and me with a small knowing smile on her lips, before she closed her eyes again.
I didn’t care if anyone else approved or not. And I knew that there was still that ring on Odessa’s finger. She technically belonged to another man. But then how could she feel so wholly mine, despite that fact? I was determined to keep her for myself. And maybe that was selfish, but I was a selfish prick. I’d never pretended to be otherwise.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always gone after what I wanted, consequences be damned. If I wanted something, I found a way to get it. And if my plans fell through, I still found a way to make it work for me.
The way Odessa held me, let me know I at least had a chance to win her heart, like she’d won mine. I’d fight for it if I had to. I’d fight for her.
After a few hours,Nat took over the watch, having me get some much-needed sleep. It claimed me quickly, though my dreams were fitful, making me feel like I was falling all over again. I jolted awake, afraid it was really happening, only to find Odessa’s hand on my shoulder gently shaking me.
“We should get moving,” she said.
I had no idea how long I’d been out, but I wiped the dried drool from the corners of my mouth, and dug out the canteen full of water, swishing the cool liquid around. There was a pack of gum hidden in one of the pockets that I popped in my mouth, delighting in the minty flavor on my tongue.
“You should eat something,” Odessa said while nibbling on her meager rations.
“I’m good.” I’d always been able to get by on little to no food. Not knowing how long we would be down here, had me wanting to save what I could for when I really needed it.
Odessa’s mouth turned down as she looked at me with a hint of worry, but let it drop, finishing her food.
Having her next to me all night was something that I wanted more of. While the situation wasn’t ideal, I relished cradling her in my arms. She fit so well against me.
“You two lovebirds done eye-fucking each other so we can get the hell out of here?”
Odessa’s mouth dropped open and her cheeks flushed red, but she didn’t protest. Interesting. Maybe I was growing on her. A guy could hope.
To get through the slim opening, we had to drag our backpacks behind us. Honestly, I was doubtful I would be able to squeeze my broad shoulders through, but that was the only way out. Behind us, the ledge had crumpled into the cavernous abyss. So, on my stomach I went, right behind Nat and Odessa.
Nat was able to shimmy through, doing an army crawl with the pack tied around her ankle. Next, was Odessa, doing the same.
When it was my turn, I had to take several steadying breaths, reassuring myself that I’d get through this, even though I didn’t know if I would.
My shoulders brushed up against both sides of the walls with each inch forward. Gravel dug into my forearms and knees as we crawled.
The further we went— I began to realize that the sides of the tunnel were changing from limestone to bones. Skulls, ribs, femurs, all began to line the walls.
“Nat. You see anything?” I asked, desperate to get out of here.
“No,” she grunted back.
I pressed my forehead into the floor, feeling the mask on my face press into my skin as I worked to steady my breathing.
“You okay back there?” Odessa asked.
“Yep, just fine.”
Another inch forward and the wall full of bones was pressing in tighter. My ribs were tightening as my breathing began to come in faster. I was hyperventilating and I was too far gone to get a handle on it.
Odessa turned her head as far as she could, looking back at me.
“Dex, just take a deep breath, we’re okay.”
I nodded, trying to get my body to listen, breathing in and shuddering, only the motion made me feel stuck as my chest expanded hitting the top and sides of the tunnel.
“Just keep moving. Follow my voice,” Odessa instructed.
For her I could. For her I did.
