HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 5

Tempting Fate

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver sheen over the jagged rocks and dense foliage surrounding Lia and Ethan. They leaned against the chilly, moist wall of the cave, the air heavy with tension. The echo of footsteps and muffled voices drifted through the night, a haunting reminder of the danger lurking nearby.

"What's their problem?" Lia whispered, her voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "Why are they so determined to find us?"

Ethan focused on the cave's narrow entrance, his jaw tightening. "I believe Manong told them about us. He might have described what we look like."

Lia gripped his arm, her fingers trembling. "Did you say they're after you? Do you think it's because you're rich, or did you do something to attract them?"

"No," Ethan said quickly, searching her eyes for reassurance. "I did something wrong to them, but it wasn't illegal. They're the ones who committed a grave injustice against me and my family." He met her gaze firmly. "You do believe me, don't you?"

"I don't trust you, Ethan," Lia said seriously.

He smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching. "After all these days together, day and night, you still don't trust me?"

"That's my job—not to trust easily," Lia replied, looking away, her voice tinged with frustration.

Ethan sighed deeply, deciding not to argue further. He lifted Lia onto his back, venturing deeper into the cave's shadows. The ground was uneven beneath his feet, each step echoing louder than the last. They paused briefly to listen, tension mounting with every passing second.

"Just put me down," Lia muttered uneasily. "You're struggling because of me."

Ethan's jaw clenched as he scanned their surroundings. "You haven't heard me complain, so why do you think I'm struggling?"

As they cautiously moved through the darkness, Ethan's foot caught on a protruding root, sending a small pebble skittering across the ground. The noise amplified their heightened senses, and Lia froze, her breath catching in her throat.

"They're here," a distant voice called out, edged with frustration. "Come on! We can't let them escape!"

Ethan pulled Lia closer, pressing her against the rough stone wall. He held his breath, praying their pursuers would miss their hiding place. Silence engulfed them like a blanket as minutes turned into hours.

Finally, the voices faded into the distance, their footsteps growing fainter. Ethan exhaled slowly, his shoulders sagging with relief. Lia let out a shaky breath, her grip on his arm loosening slightly.

"We're almost there," Ethan assured her softly. "We need to keep going."

Lia nodded, her eyes never leaving his face. In that dimly lit cave, surrounded by danger and uncertainty, she found herself drawn to Ethan in a way she couldn't explain. His strength and resolve comforted her in ways she hadn't thought possible.

As they moved farther into the island, their footsteps synchronized. Moonlight filtered through cracks in the cave's ceiling, casting ethereal patterns on the ground beneath them.

"Are you scared?" Lia whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ethan paused, meeting her gaze in the dim light. "Yes," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "Not for myself, but for you." His admission surprised Lia. "How's your wound?"

Lia smiled faintly. "I'm okay."

Ethan only watched her, remembering her cries. She had pushed him away to hide her vulnerability. Unable to resist, he intertwined his fingers with hers, holding her hand gently, and kissed her knuckles.