“What would you suggest we do?” he asked me evenly.
I used to be so anxious in school; the thought of the teacher calling on me had always made me break into cold sweats, my legs jiggling, my mouth drying. It was the same experience when Ettore asked me that question.
“I think,” I said shakily, “that I should separate myself as much as possible. Sleep a little away from you all, eat on a different shift. Just create some space.”
Ettore studied me for a long, hard minute, as if considering the words I had spoken.
Jin Woo started to speak, “Mina, I—” before Ettore cut him off.
“Did you really think that we would let you exile yourself away from us? Exposing you to greater risk? No, you are not going anywhere.”
Anger struck me like a fist.
“Ettore, this isn’t just about you! Have you considered that I’ll be clingy and so obsessive that I’ll probably count the breaths you breathe? I don’t remember a lot about how I was like when I was last off my meds, but I remember that it was bad enough that they sedated me. You all would have to deal with that on top of surviving in this place; that’s a lot. If you don’t truly considerthe consequences of everything and then regret it later, I would feel,” my voice broke, and embarrassing tears welled up in my eyes, thankfully not escaping, “miserable.”
Ettore was in front of me in second, not touching me, but his legs were close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off of him. This close, I couldn’t stop myself from looking into his gorgeous hazel eyes.
“Mina. I did consider everything, and you’re not going anywhere. You are a delightful creature, and if you have to navigate this thing, we will navigate it with you. Understand?”
There was softness in his face, but not mirth, and I knew that he was serious, even though I couldn’t bring myself to believe him.
“You’re sure?” I asked him like a child.
He held his hand out, and when I placed mine in his, he gave my hand a squeeze.
“Yes, I’m sure, you are not getting away from us now.”
“Plus,” Jin Woo said as he scooted closer, “I like my women obsessive.”
“Which women?” was out of my mouth before I could stop myself. But instead of being creeped out, he held my other hand, his face spread in a wide smile.
“Exactly like that.”
“I don’t mind,” Bartosz mumbled from where he lay on the ground, “if I’m even included, that is.”
I didn’t know what response I had expected from him, but this certainly wasn’t it. I appreciated it anyway.
“Thank you, Bartosz.”
Oskar’s stomp vibrated throughout the cabin.
“You will not separate yourself. You are not a burden. You are not.”
And then he was gone, the cabin door slamming shut behind him so hard that the cabin rattled.
There was the pain again, but the worry consumed it.
Jin Woo repositioned us until I was in his lap, Ettore trailing kisses down my fingers and across my wrists.
“He’ll be fine, he’s just dealing with some things,” Jin Woo rumbled in my ear before pulling away slightly, “Bartosz, come and warm her feet.”
“Why?” Bartosz said even as he scooted closer.
Ettore’s disdainful look was icy.
“Because, we’re not going to let your body heat go to waste and ourtesorodeserves a night of rest and not one of saving your frozen ass.”
“I’m not the one who stormed out of the cabin,” Bartosz grumbled as he pulled my feet against his stomach, his grip on my ankle bones pleasing the obsession inside of me.
