Trapped in from

Chapter 6

Dakota woke the next morning to the sound of rain pattering against the window. The overcast sky cast a muted gray light into her small room, matching the heaviness that lingered in her chest. She stretched, trying to shake off the lingering tension from the night before, but the memory of that moment with Ellis wouldn't leave her.

Her thoughts kept drifting back to the way he had looked at her, the warmth in his eyes, the way he had almost—but not quite—reached out to her. There was no denying it anymore: something was growing between them, something more than just camaraderie born out of shared survival.

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, Dakota stepped out into the damp morning air. She pulled her jacket tighter around her, the cool breeze sending a shiver down her spine. The town felt quieter than usual, the rain having driven most people indoors. But she wasn't deterred. There was something she needed to do.

She found Ellis in the town square, helping Tom repair the roof of one of the shops. His shirt was soaked through, clinging to his broad shoulders as he hammered a loose shingle back into place. He looked up as she approached, offering her a lopsided grin that sent a flutter through her chest.

"Morning, Dakota," he called out over the sound of the rain. "What brings you out here?"

"I was hoping I could help," she replied, raising her voice to be heard over the downpour. "And... I wanted to talk to you."

Ellis glanced at Tom, who gave him a knowing look before muttering something about getting more supplies and climbing down the ladder. Dakota watched him disappear into the store before turning back to Ellis.

"What's on your mind?" Ellis asked, his tone gentle as he climbed down to join her on the ground.

Dakota hesitated, unsure of how to start. The words felt tangled in her throat, a mix of fear, confusion, and the undeniable pull she felt toward him. Finally, she took a deep breath and just said it.

"Last night... when we were by the woods, I felt like... like there was something between us," she began, her heart pounding as she spoke. "I don't know what it is, or what it means, but I can't stop thinking about it."

Ellis looked at her, his expression softening as he listened. He seemed to weigh his words carefully before responding. "I've been thinking about it too," he admitted, taking a small step closer. "Dakota, from the moment you got here, there's been something different... something that I haven't felt in a long time."

Her breath caught in her throat at his words, and she felt that same warmth from the night before spread through her chest. "I don't want to make things more complicated," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "But I can't ignore this... whatever it is."

Ellis's hand finally reached out, gently brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. The touch was light, almost hesitant, but it sent a shiver down her spine. "Neither can I," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rain.

For a moment, they stood there in the rain, the world around them fading away as they were drawn together. Dakota felt her heart racing, her breath quickening as Ellis's hand lingered on her cheek, his touch tender and warm despite the chill in the air. The space between them seemed to shrink, the unspoken words hanging heavy between them.

But just as their lips were about to meet, a loud crash shattered the moment. They both jumped, turning toward the sound to see one of the old wooden beams supporting the shop roof splinter and fall to the ground. The sudden burst of noise broke the spell, and Ellis immediately sprang into action, rushing over to inspect the damage.

"Dammit," he muttered, examining the broken beam. "This whole place is falling apart faster than we can fix it."

Dakota's heart was still racing, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. The moment between them might have been interrupted, but the tension, the connection, was still there, simmering just below the surface.

"Let me help," she said, stepping forward to join him.

Together, they worked in silence, their movements synchronized as they secured the roof and replaced the broken beam. The rain continued to pour down around them, soaking their clothes and plastering their hair to their heads, but neither seemed to mind. There was something comforting about working side by side, even without words.

As they finished up, Dakota looked over at Ellis, catching him watching her with that same soft, unreadable expression. The rain had washed away the dirt and grime from the day's work, leaving him looking almost vulnerable, his usual strong, stoic demeanor softened by the storm.

"Thank you," Dakota said quietly, unsure if she was thanking him for helping her with the roof, for being there when she needed him, or for the way he made her feel—like she wasn't alone in this nightmare.

Ellis wiped the rain from his face, smiling at her. "You don't have to thank me," he replied, his voice equally soft. "I'm just glad you're here, Dakota. This place... it's different with you around."

Her heart swelled at his words, and she couldn't help but smile back. Despite everything—the fear, the uncertainty, the constant danger—there was something good here, something worth holding onto. And for the first time, Dakota allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she had found something more in this dark, twisted place.

As they gathered their tools and prepared to head back to the hotel, Ellis walked beside her, close enough that their arms occasionally brushed. Each touch sent a spark through her, and she felt that warmth in her chest growing stronger. There was still so much to figure out, so many unanswered questions, but she knew one thing for sure: she wasn't alone anymore.

When they reached the hotel, Ellis paused at the door, turning to face her. The rain had slowed to a light drizzle, the sky beginning to clear as the evening settled in. "I'm glad we talked," he said, his voice sincere.

"Me too," Dakota replied, her heart fluttering as she met his gaze. "Ellis... I don't know what's going to happen, but... I'm glad I'm here with you."

He smiled, that warm, comforting smile that made her feel safe even in this strange and dangerous place. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together," he said, and for the first time, Dakota truly believed it.

As she stepped inside, the warmth of the hotel enveloped her, but it was nothing compared to the warmth that had settled in her chest. She watched as Ellis walked across the street to his own house, feeling a strange mix of emotions—hope, fear, and something that was slowly but surely turning into affection.

She didn't know what the future held, or if they would ever find a way out of this town, but for now, that was enough. And as she closed the door behind her, she couldn't help but smile, knowing that she wouldn't have to face the darkness alone.