Page 33 of Consumed By Fire

“It’s out here that isn’t safe, little Red.” He winks at me.

I nod. “You’re right.”

“Follow me.” Octane crawls inside. The entrance is only just big enough for him to get through. I don’t like this, but I follow him, anyway. After navigating a ten-foot tunnel, it opens up into a small cave. It’s airy and not as dark as it should be, telling me that there is an opening of sorts somewhere toward the back. Octane leads me deeper. The ceiling is high. I hear dripping water, and my mouth feels dry.

We reach the back of the cave, where there is a small pool. The water looks clear and inviting. Octane kneels down to drink, cupping his hands and dipping them into the water.

“Drink,” he whispers, his voice echoing. He winces, putting a finger over his lips.

I nod. We have to be quiet. We’re sitting ducks if they find us.

I kneel next to him and drink my fill. I want to wash off the sweat, blood, and grime, but I don’t dare for fear of making any noise.

Then we sit with our backs to the cool limestone at the far wall. Octane puts an arm around me. I’m not sure if he’s offering comfort or if he’s afraid I’ll attempt an escape. I don’t care one way or another. I lean against his solid frame, putting my head against his shoulder. It doesn’t take long before exhaustion takes over, and I am fast asleep.

When I awaken, I am lying on top of Octane, who is on his back. My chest is against his middle. My cheek is against his upper torso. I’m not just using him as a pillow but as a mattress, too. My leg is pulled up. My arms are around him.

“Sleep well?” he asks, his voice groggy.

“Um…hmmmm…ahhh…yes.” I lift my head and rub my eyes. “Sorry.” I look down at his amused expression. “I didn’t realize…it…um…”

“There is a rock digging into my back.”

“Oh, shit! Sorry.” I scramble off him, noting how light streams in through the far side of our small cave. “It’s morning,” I say, sounding shocked.

“Yes, it is.”

“We made it.” I huff out a breath.

He nods. “We did.”

I stretch, feeling his eyes on me. I ignore him, going over to the pool, where I drink. Then I start washing myself. My face, my chest, under my arms. The scratches are mostly healed.

I glance over at Octane, who has moved to a sitting position. His eyes are on me, watching me intently.

“What?” I ask.

“You know what.”

I ignore him, washing my feet and legs. “So, how did you know about this cave?” I try to change the subject.

His eyes narrow. “My father used to take me fishing and hunting in these parts when I was a boy. I came back often later…after…” He stops talking.

“After?” I ask as I wash between my legs.

Octane growls. It’s menacing. “Stop that,” he says, almost under his breath. “We need to talk.”

Crap!

“About what?” I know exactly what he wants to talk about.

“Don’t plead ignorance. I need you to talk to me and right now. Why didn’t you call out last night?”

“You would’ve been caught and killed. Titan wouldn’t have hesitated. I…I just…”

“You care. How fucking sweet. Try again.”

“I don’t care anything for you. Not a damned thing. That doesn’t mean I could just stand by and watch him kill you.”