Page 27 of Cavern of Silence

---

I ignore the flutters in my stomach. I quietly admit, "There's no one left in my life."

Ryker's face hardens. "Well, I guess you and I have that in common."

Except you have all your friends.

"Guys, you need to come back. We need to talk," Hunter yells from the edge of the river.

"Try to remember I'm on your side because I want to be, not because I have to be."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I'm choosing you." He releases me then takes my hand and guides me back to the shore, before crouching down for my piggyback ride back to camp.

He's choosing me. What does he mean?

We return to the site, and after the men meet, Ryker tells me everyone is leaving in pairs. "Where will we go?"

"Omoa, Honduras. Our Marine buddy can get us passports."

"All right. Thank you."

"Told you to trust me." He winks.

My insides turn to Jell-O.

I need to stop these thoughts about him.

Don't screw with the one person who's helping you.

Hunter approaches me. "Can I talk to you?"

Ryker crosses his arms and raises his eyebrows.

"What's up?" I ask, not wanting to deal with more issues between Hunter and me.

"Away from him?" He points to Ryker.

Ryker shoots daggers at him with his gaze.

I softly laugh. "Yeah. Sure."

We go outside.

Don't fight with him again. Whatever you do, stay calm.

I start, "I'm not looking—"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have argued with you," Hunter blurts out.

Okay. I didn't expect an apology.

He crosses his arms. "Are you going to say anything?"

I was trying to figure out my thoughts, but if you're going to be all aggressive.

"Nope. I'm waiting for you to continue."

"To continue?" he seethes.

---