Page 108 of Lost Paradise

I find Astro standing and facing me.

"You're the most selfish person there is."

"Well, asshole," I say exasperated, "maybe next time I'll remember to charge my cell phone and let you know we were delayed. Oh wait, our phones were lost at sea, and we're stranded on an island."

"Funny, Eve. Cracking sarcasm is all you're good for. You insisted on going with them, like some spoilt brat, when you knew you’d slow them down!"

It’s apparent Astro doesn’t share the same relief as the other two. His eyes flash with anger as he rounds on me, his voice a harsh accusation.

Zane immediately steps between us, his protective instincts flaring. "Back off, Astro. Eve was a trooper out there. If you can't see that, then fuck off and leave her alone."

Byron nods in agreement, his gaze hard. "She pulled her weight just like the rest of us. Don't you dare pinthis on her. As you can see, we stumbled upon something and lost track of time. It got late, and we made the decision to return when there was light."

I’ve just about had it with Astro, and I square my shoulders and face him head-on. "Why do you even care what happens to me?"

"I don't," Astro snaps back, his voice dripping with disdain. “With you, it’s alwaysme me me. When will you stop and realize the world doesn’t revolve around you?”

“You’re not making any sense, Astro. Maybe just shut your face for once and fuck off.”

He glares at me. "You're just a spoiled little princess, always looking for attention because you couldn't get love at home."

The words cut deep, and I feel a familiar sting of tears, but I refuse to let them fall. I told the group this in confidence, and this asshole will forever use it against me.

Before anyone else or I have a chance to retaliate, Foster steps in.

"That's enough, Astro. Go have a time out by the beach. Now." His voice is firm and commanding.

Astro glares at all of us before storming off, his footsteps heavy and angry against the jungle floor. I watch him go, a mix of confusion and hurt swirling inside me.

A hand slides around my waist, breaking me from my thoughts, and I turn to see the deep green eyes gazing at me with a warmth that melts away the exhaustion and fear. Foster stands close, his presence a solid anchor in the chaos of our lives. Though he's the leader of our ragtag group and always strong, athletic, and commanding, there's a certain softness he reserves just for me.

His gaze, tender and reassuring, crinkles slightly at the corners of his eyes as he offers me a small, encouraging smile. It's a side of him no one else sees, a sensitive vulnerability that he lets slip only in these private moments between us.

"Don't worry about Astro's harsh words," Foster says softly, his voice a soothing balm against the rawness left by the confrontation. "There isn't a soul here who believes any of that stuff he said about you is true. He's just reflecting his anger about himself onto you."

His words are firm but gentle, like the way his strong hand holds me close. In this moment, surrounded by the jungle's sounds and the lingering tension, I find a quiet solace in his unwavering support.

"Mark my words," Foster continues, his voice taking on a steely edge, "if he lays a hand on you again, I will end him myself." His gripon my waist tightens slightly, emphasizing the seriousness of his promise.

But then, a flicker of hesitation crosses his face, and he softens again, his thumb gently tracing circles on my hip. "But honestly, I don't believe Astro has a bone in his body to harm you physically. He's all talk, venting his frustrations. Still, I'll keep an eye on him."

In his deep gaze, I see not just a leader but a guardian who would go to any lengths to keep me safe. It’s a little scary and incredible that someone would do that, and I look at the other three men busy unpacking the stuff we brought with us and realize they would act in my honor as well.

Four men who would go to the end of the earth for me. I’ve never had that with anyone.

The jungle around us fades into the background as I lean into Foster’s embrace, finding strength in the connection we share. I share a deep kiss with him that steals every worry away from me.

Foster pulls away and smiles, his eyes reflecting a mix of relief and affection. He brushes a stray lock of hair from my face, his touch tender. "We'll get through this," he whispers, his voice filled with quiet determination.

Addressing the others, Foster's demeanor shifts back to the authoritative leader. "Alright, everyone," he says, his tone commanding but calm. "Update me on what happened and where you got all this stuff."

Zane and Byron step forward, “Mate, you’ll need to sit down to hear this.”

I turn to Foster. "Maybe I should go talk to Astro—"

Zane shakes his head, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Let him blow off some steam. He'll probably reappear at dinner when he smells the grill and knows it’s time to fill his belly."

I sigh, nodding reluctantly, and take a seat between Zane and Byron, opposite Foster and Jack, as we each recount our adventure.

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