Page 61 of Explorer's Revenge
Shit.
His chuckle fills the air, and I feel my cheeks flush, but I refuse to be ashamed. Rick sobers, but he’s still smiling. “I won’t tell.” He winks, and he’s quiet for a moment. “Don’t break his heart, Maeve Carter.”
I gape at him, and his smile widens. “Wilder doesn’t let anyone in, not all the way, not even us. He’s always felt this . . . pressure to prove himself to everyone, protect us, and keep us happy. He never takes anything for himself, yet he took you. Read into that what you will.”
I process his words, looking at Wilder, who is focused on the rocks as he realigns the signal. His expression is one of concentration, even as Logan chases Way around him. He’s always so in control, the capable, dependable one. Is that because he feels like he has to be?
“We hate each other,” I say.
My gaze moves to Rick. He’s watching me with a knowing look in his eyes. “Hmm, isn’t it strange how close hate can feel to love?”
My eyes flare, and I panic, knowing he sees right through me.
Patting my good leg, he stands and stretches. “I’ll get you some water, just think on it.” He’s gone, and I’m left staring at Wilder, wondering if Rick is right.
Groaning, I close my eyes and must nod off because I wake to Way pressing a canteen against my lips. I drink, and he wipes my mouth before shifting back.
“How are you feeling?” he asks softly.
“Sick of people asking that,” I admit, and despite the venom in my tone, he chuckles and sits down opposite me.
He’s quiet, and I stare, wondering what he wants. When he glances at Aiyaret, I know. “You were down there with him. Was he . . . Is he okay?”
“What is this, circle time?” I tease, and he tilts his head in confusion. “Never mind. Everyone wants a heart-to-heart with me today, and I can’t run away.”
“That’s probably why. They know you would otherwise,” he teases.
“Fine, he’s stronger than you think,” I tell him, “but if you’re worried about Aiyaret, you should ask him, not me.”
He nods, hesitating.
“You love him,” I state.
His head jerks up, his eyes wide with fear.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell him, though it’s the worst kept secret in the world. I know neither of you are ready. He’s . . . fine, worried about all of you, but especially you. He’s a good guy.”
“He is.” He looks at Aiy, who is glancing over at us, and Way quickly averts his gaze. “He likes you.” I remain silent, and he stares at his feet in the sand. “He doesn’t like any women, but he likes you. It’s surprising.”
“Yet you’re worried,” I surmise. “What, do you think because he tolerates me, he’ll fall in love with me and leave you behind?” When he stares at me without answering, I know I’m right. “Idiots, all of you. Men. If you would just talk . . .” Leaning forward, I hide my wince. “Aiyaret isn’t going anywhere. Want to know what he was like down there? He was worried about you all the time. Maybe you should ask him why or, better yet, figure out why the thought of him loving me terrifies you.”
He looks at me, confusion etched on his features, when Aiyaret appears. “What’s going on?”
We both startle, looking up to find him standing above us. I stretch out my good leg. “Oh ,you know, comparing notes on the weather. Aiy, can you do me a favor?”
“Sure, what’s up?” he asks.
“Can you find me a nice shell from the beach? I always bring one back. Oh, but don’t go alone. Take Way with you.” I wink at Way, and he sighs at my clumsy attempt.
“Uh, sure.” He glances at Way then me before walking off, and Way grumbles but goes after him.
“They really are pretty together.” I sigh as I close my eyes again, hoping no one else wants free therapy. I’m not Dr. Phil.
I slept most of the afternoon, only waking long enough to eat and go to the bathroom, which is a hole in the ground. I’m bone-deep exhausted, so I fall back to sleep as the moon rises, but something wakes me soon after.
I’m groggy and confused. My skin feels hot to the touch, and I’m sweating despite the rough breeze blowing through our makeshift shelter. Frowning, I struggle to sit up. My head aches, but not as bad as my leg. I don’t know what woke me. I scan the others, finding all but Rick sleeping. He’s facing the jungle, scanning it, so I glance at it and then at the beach.
“Hey, why are you awake?” Rick asks softly, but I keep staring. Something is off out there. Is that what woke me up? “What is it?”
