Page 67 of Wreckage

Troy stirred first, his nose twitching as he took in the scent.

His eyes cracked open, unfocused, before they landed on me, crouched near the fire, cooking the rabbit meat in the cleaned-out bowl we had been using for washing.

I watched as understanding dawned, his green eyes flicking from the fire to the meat to the satisfied smirk on my face.

And then, slowly, a grin spread across his lips.

“No way.”

I chuckled. “Oh yeah. Two of them. I decided we deserved breakfast.”

Troy shot out of bed, crossing the cabin in a few steps before grabbing me by the shoulders and hugging me hard, clapping me roughly on the back.

“Adrian, you beautiful, stubborn bastard.”

I huffed a laugh, shaking my head as he pulled back.

Movement from the raft caught my attention, and I turned just in time to see Elena pushing up onto her elbows, her eyes still hazy with sleep.

She blinked at me, the fire and the food, before her lips parted in soft disbelief.

“You caught something?” she asked.

I nodded, and she smiled.

Something in my chest shifted.

That smile. That pure, unguarded happiness directed at me. I didn’t think. Didn’t stop myself.

I went to her, cupped her face, and kissed her deeply.

She made a surprised sound against my lips but didn’t pull away.

She melted into me, soft, warm, and perfect, and I forgot everything for a long moment.

Forgot the cold. Forgot the wreckage around us. I forgot we were stranded.

All I knew was her.

I pulled back slightly, my forehead against hers, my breathing uneven.

Troy chuckled behind me. “Guess he thought he’d have dessert before breakfast.”

I shot him a look, but Elena just laughed, melodic and sweet. I realized right then and there she was it.

I had been denying it for too long. Running from it. Running from her.

Not anymore, though. I was here, and there wasn’t a force on Earth that could pry me away.

I pulled back fully and smirked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I’ve got a good breakfast for you,” I murmured.

Her eyes lit up, and she grinned, making my heart clench.

She sat up as I grabbed a plate from the plane's storage, doling out some meat and crackers before handing it to her.

I watched her closely as she took her first bite, my stomach twisting as her expression melted into relief.

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