Venture

Chapter 17: Island's Truth

Hunter managed to convince Esther to set camp. They walked for hours in the dark, the warrior's determination never leaving her soul. Though they were physically tired, Esther never gave up until she felt herself slowly falling asleep while marching. As a result, she was now huddled close to the campfire with the muscular man on the other side of the glow.

     "Go to sleep," Hunter ordered through the crackling of the fire. The light glowed against his light bronze skin tone as he stared intently into Esther's deep blue-green irises.

     She shook her head. "I won't because I know you'll take the chance to run away."

     The brown-haired man sighed. The thought had crossed his mind that the second the warrior fell asleep, he'd saunter off. Although, something about her made him want to stay. Hunter felt drawn to Esther. He didn't want to leave her. If he left her, he knew he would regret the decision and come back. "I promise I won't."

     Esther laughed, though there was no humor in it. "I don't believe you."

     She thought she saw hurt flashing before his eyes, but the second she blinked, it was gone. He showed no emotion. The warrior figured her sleepiness was playing tricks on her. There was certainly no way a man who's a part of The Ruthless could feel pain. They don't feel pain. They inflict it.

     Letting out another exhausted sigh, Hunter reassured, "I swear on my life I won't run-"

     "People like you break promises. I don't believe in liars such as yourself," Esther snapped. She couldn't help the cranky feeling exploding within her due to the lack of sleep.

     "Okay fine. Suit yourself. I'll go to sleep then," the muscular man grumbled. With those words, he laid down onto the soft dirt with his broad back facing towards the twenty-year-old woman.

     Instantly, the timid warrior felt guilty. She regretted those words the second they came out of her mouth. She knew she shouldn't feel regret merely because he deserved those words. Still, the uncomfortable feeling never left her burdened shoulders. Instead, Esther hesitantly followed his movements and slept with her back facing towards the pretty man.

***

Esther awoke from the brightness of the sunlight and the birds singing a melody. The smell of something burning, food she assumed, wafted through her nose. It took her a while to realize everything that had happened last night. Immediately, the warrior shot up only to find Hunter cooking two fishes over the campfire.

     He grinned sheepishly. "Good morning, beautiful! Would you care for some breakfast made by yours truly?" The pretty man gestured at the cooked fish waiting for her. He began wolfing down his own food.

     Hesitantly, Esther scooted closer and grabbed the warm stick. Her stomach grumbled at the scent and her mouth watered impatiently.

     Once they had finished eating their food, Esther and Hunter sat in silence. The man put out the fire, complaining that the sun's heat was already unbearable. He redid his short ponytail, sweat clinging onto his baby hair. Hunter's raven-black long-sleeve stuck to his light bronze skin, dampening the shirt. The warrior could make out a defined six-pack. She immediately turned away, flushing.

     In attempt to hide her scarlet face, the warrior pulled her tangled, dirty locks into a thick bun. She avoided eye contact with him. Now that the sun was out, the honey-colored-eyed man would be able to see her blushing face. Distracting herself, Esther's thoughts wandered to Alex, Scarlet, and Amora. She wondered if they were okay.

     While she was distracted in her own thoughts, Hunter couldn't help, but watch the alluring woman before him. He had a full view of her exposed neck glistening with sweat. She bit her bottom lip and furrowed her perfect eyebrows. She stretched out her long legs to allow her blood to flow freely, her bronze soft skin glowing in the sunlight. He noticed her burgundy crop top had a tear on the side, exposing more of her luscious skin. Cursing himself, Hunter flicked his hungry eyes away.