Love and War

24: Anastasia

Anastasia's POV:
My head hit the sandy shore and I sighed relieved.

Finally we are safe again.

My stomach growled and I realized I haven't eaten in awhile. I didn't think I'd stomach eating anything right now though. After the jump and all the crazy events that happened at the palace I'm sure I'd throw up.

I shook violently. It was so cold and getting wet didn't make it any better. Hopefully since the sun's coming out it'll warm me up.

I tried moving my fingers but I have a feeling that my thumb has an infection and that it's starting to spread. I try not to think about it as tears collect in my eyes.

Jonah laid down beside me breathing heavy as he too seemed to be realizing we were finally safe.

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. He squeezed mine back.

Yes we are okay and alive.

Yes we are here together.

It is all real.

He turned his head to face me his blue eyes softened as he stared at me.

"I was worried about you." He says at last.

"I was worried about you too," I said my voice barely audible over the crashing waves.

He moved his head closer to mine we were now inches apart our noses barely touching. I bit my lip and his eyes flickered from my eyes to my lips and back. My heart skipped a beat and pounded in my ears, the loudest sound except for the waves crashing below us.

"Thank you for saving my life... again." He said. I didn't say anything. He didn't need to thank me, I did it because I had to. I couldn't leave him behind.

"How are you feeling? Your hand..." he gently picked up my left hand and I winced.

"Please don't do that... my hand is fine," I said gritting my teeth and probably sounding a lot harsher than I intended. My hand was still throbbing and him holding it only made it worse.

It was strange having someone care about me. I've been alone for as long as I could remember. No one has cared about my well-being for a long, long time.

"Actually it isn't. After we rest up tonight I'm taking you to King Ian's palace to heal your hand. I am not leaving you like this." He said laying my hand back down.

I smirked. "Correct me if I'm wrong but are you worried about my well-being Jonah?" I teased trying to forget about my hand and lighten the mood.

He chuckled and lifted his head on his hand leaning over me. "Sweetheart I'll always be worried about you... you and your crazy plans got your hand broken. Who knows what else your little head will cook up to risk hurting yourself... someone's got to stop you." He tapped my temple softly and I pursed my lips.

I smiled and shook my head his blue eyes darkened and I lifted my right hand that was not injured and caressed his cheek. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." His voice came out deeper and hoarse. He leaned in a bit closer. He was inches away and he gently kissed my right cheek then my left. His other arm wrapped around my waist and I felt tingles form all over my body. He stopped and just stared at me and I decided I couldn't wait any longer.

My right hand grabbed the back of his neck and I pulled him in. His lips met mine gently at first. His arm tightened around me and he seemed to be done with gentle because his kissing turned passionate and rough. I let out a gasp and he smirked against my lips. My hand pulled at the hair at the nape of his neck and he let out a small groan. It was my turn to smirk and he started kneading my hips through my skirt.