Page 37 of Depths of Destruction

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"Now what?" I ask.

"Time to put on clothes."

"Aww." I pout.

"I have no objections to staying naked, but you might not like the bugs." He digs in the backpack and hands me clothes. We get changed, and he says, "I'll make a fire. Let me collect some things to burn."

"I can help."

"All right. Pick up twigs, dry leaves, bark, anything dry, really." He pulls a small flashlight out of his bag, and we find enough kindling.

He removes a piece of flint out of his bag.

I laugh.

He scrunches his face. "What's so funny?"

"You're like Rambo."

"Rambo?"

"Yep."

"I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be excited or insulted."

"Don't be insulted."

"No?"

"Nope."

He goes back to starting the fire, and it catches within moments.

I softly clap my hands.

He scoots back against a large tree trunk and pulls me into his lap, creating a path of tingles as he caresses my back. "Have you ever been married?"

I try to appear serious and nonchalantly reply, "Who said I wasn't?"

The blood drains from his face and his body stiffens. "Sorry. Ummm...you aren't wearing a ring."

I shrug. "Oh. Yeah, well, the cartel stole it."

More panic crosses his face. "Oh... I... How long have you been married?"

"Since I was eighteen."

His face turns red with anger. He quietly says, "Wow."

I can't mislead him anymore. "You should see your face right now."

He scowls.

"I'm joking. I've never been married."

Relief fills his face. "Naomi, that wasn't cool."

I put my hand on his hot cheek. "I'm sorry."

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