We move out. Me stumbling along, and Colt half dragging me.
No one comes after us. I should be relieved, but I’m not. This is going to bite us on the ass.
CHAPTER20
Ashley
I jerk awake,not sure where I am. My heart beats faster and strong hands grip me. For a moment I think I’ve been recaptured, and I struggle to break free.
“Shh. You’re safe.” He holds me close.
I gulp in air, as I try to get away. Then I realize it’s Priest holding me.
“That’s it, take a breath.”
I push upright. I’d been sleeping on his thigh. I’m sure I’ve left a drool patch, as my cheek is wet. “I’m okay.”
“Yeah, you are.” He pulls me closer, and I end up in his lap.
I should push away. I don’t need people. I’m independent. I’ve travelled the world on my own. But I can’t move. I don’t want to be anywhere but in his arms where I feel safe.
Priest is one of those guys who calms everyone. I didn’t think I’d ever need or want that. I’ve lived for adventure and experience.
He keeps murmuring as he holds me.
I rest my head on his shoulder and relax into his hold, even though I should move off him. Who am I?
First, I sleep with Reed, a man who already has someone. And now I’m snuggling up with Priest, a man I turned down only weeks ago. Not because I wasn’t attracted to him, but because word might get around that I was sleeping with him, and also a breakup wouldn’t be good for my career. I don’t need that awkwardness.
Now I don’t care.
“Did you have a nightmare?”
“I’m not sure.” Maybe it was, but my mind has buried it already. “Did I cry out?” Had I given away our position?
“No. You woke up in a bit of a panic.”
“Sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. Trauma affects people differently, and you’re processing everything that’s happened.” His arms are wrapped around me as if he doesn’t want to let me go and I’m happy to remain, needing to be held.
“Was I asleep for long?”
“Not really, a couple of hours.”
I lift my head and stare at him. “What? Why didn’t you push me off?”
It mustn’t have been comfortable for him to sit still while I slept with my head on his leg. I’m surprised I slept at all.
“I didn’t need to, and you needed the sleep.” He brushes a strand of hair off my face. “But I should do another sweep of the area now you’re awake.”
That’s the polite way of telling me to move. “I’ll um…”
He doesn’t let go of me. “It doesn’t have to be done now. It can wait a few minutes, plus I think I was drying out.”
I watch the rain sheeting down beyond the edge of our tarp. We aren’t what I’d call cozy, but it’s better than being out in the storm. Colton and Hargrave are out there. Perhaps they already have Reed and are making their way back to us.
“It hasn’t let up.” Which is a good thing as all tracks will be covered, but I would love to be dry. Everything is damp from my hair to my socks.
