Beyond the Rift ✔ (Completed)

Chapter 17: Out of the Fire into the Frying pan

Alexis

I wake up to the scorching heat of the day. My body is sweaty and aching. The aftermath of yesterday's roller-coaster of emotions left me pinned to this bed. I drag myself out of it, I wish I had the green liquid that took away the pain from my body, but unfortunately only Nick could prepare that potion.

Speaking of which, there is no word from Nick, or Marty for that matter. They are supposed to find the red Beryl Crystal; if the tridents find it before us, we are done for. I don't see myself defeating any of them in the near future.

The bed at the far end is empty, so is the cabin. Ethan is still around. I'm sure of it.

Events of the day before, flash like Christmas lights; Ethan showing up drunk, breaking down; does he really mean the things he said? Or was it just the alcohol? I had so many questions back then, but he shut me up with that captivating kiss. No one has ever kissed me like that before. If I hadn't broke off, the night would've ended differently.

I step out in the blinding sun; the hot rays sizzle my exposed arms and legs. The spaghetti strap and shorts were a bad idea. 

The place is quiet except for a thwack sound that echoes in the still forest, like someone striking a tree with an axe. I venture in the shade of the trees towards the sound.

After circling, what might have been the entire cabin, the sound amplifies. Behind a bough bush, there is a 4-foot stack of chopped woods. They are stacked up in a pyramid, each chopped evenly to support the other. A hefty piece of log sits uncut at the side.

The maul swings into the wood, splitting it in half. The sound is satisfying. The chopped pieces fall on either side of the wide cut trunk and joins another pile of chopped wood at Ethan's feet.

I inhale a sharp breath, as I take in the sight of his shirtless torso. I might be gawking but I just can't help myself. I know it's cliché, however, the butterflies are partying hard in the pit of my stomach. I am speechless and overwhelmed at the view. His physique is ten times better than I imagined; the harsh sunrays fall on his tan skin enhancing the chiseled features. Since, I am behind a bush, I don't think I could be noticed. So, I leisurely check him out.

His chest and abs were sculpted to perfection. Finally, I am exposed to his mysterious tribal tattoo; the black-flames waves across his neck, down to the left side of his torso. It continues along his fine abs and below his belt. Damn it! How far does it go? 

The muscles of his back are strained and strong. His round and protruding shoulders, and the sharp pelvis bones were the ones that gave a girl all kinds of wild thoughts. He looks like a masterwork of Donatello; breathing and walking. I feel my insides heat up as I dig my nails deeper in my palms. 

This is intoxicating. I'm sure I have turned red as a tomato and it is not because of the sun.

"Planning on staring for the rest of your life?" I jump at his comment. Was he aware of me standing 7-feet away from him, hiding in the bush? Oh! I sound like a creep. This isn't fair, it was just a fraction of a second.

I slowly emerge from the bush; I hope he thinks that my reddened face is a result of the sun and not his gorgeous body.

"I wasn't staring!" I blurt out. Damn it! Immediate denial is the first hint at being guilty. "I...I was ..err looking at this." I bend down to pick up a chopped log but fail and stumble back. "It's perfect for the .... Fireplace.. no...the bonfire. It really freezes in the nighttime. Doesn't it?" I plaster a wide smile on my face.

"Aren't we in California?" He raises his left brow while concealing his smile. You can't be sexy and adorable at the same time Ethan Campbell!