Don't Break My Hart

Chapter 21

I woke once more, this time alone. The sun was just beginning to peak above the horizon. Even though I knew I hadn't slept long, I was thoroughly relaxed and rested. Still completely naked I looked for my clothes only to find new ones sitting on the dresser next to the bed. A pair of tights and a long baggy shirt.

I slipped it on but knew I would have to find another outfit before we left. These wouldn't last well in fighting or fleeing from biters. Bits and pieces of last night floated through my mind. I blushed and took a deep breath.

I was already wanting them both again. "Okay, Hart. Pull yourself together. I'm too sore and worn out for another round, and I need to stay focused for the mission ahead."

"Yes you do." I jumped a foot in the air as Rowan appeared in the doorway. He had shadows under his eyes, his face haggard like he hadn't gotten any sleep. His eyes were a brewing storm over an ocean. He took a step towards me and I took one back.

My heart was loud in my ears as he slowly stalked towards me. Even though I wanted to stand my ground, his steely eyes dared me to challenge him. I found myself with my back to the wall as he towered over me. His hands were on either side of my face.

In the next moment, his entire body was pressed against mine. My breath hitched at his closeness.

"Do you feel that?" His body was hard. Every inch of him.

"Yes." I moaned. Fuck my high sexual drive.

"Soon, I'll make sure you know what it feels like to desire and want someone so intensely and not be able to do a damn thing about it." His lips came close to mine, my eyes fluttered shut only for the pressure of him to disappear. He was gone.

What. An. Asshole. I collected myself and followed him out. Chogan and Azrael were sitting at the table eating their stew from the night before. Another bowl was sitting at the end. I snatched it up and brought it outside with me. Finn and Carlos were sitting on the porch so I took a seat next to them.

Carlos turned to me. "So.. last night was interesting. How'd it go?"

"Shut up, Carlos." I growled out and slurped more rabbit and potatoes into my mouth. He only laughed and slung an arm around my shoulder.

"I had thought you'd wake up a golden ray of sunshine this morning, but was it really that bad?" He flinched when I glared at him. "Alright I'll leave you alone. Although I must say, Rowan and Ryder were in foul moods. I think it's the first time I've seen Kaito struggle to smile."

"Ah Carlos, maybe we should let her eat in peace." Finn tugged on Carlos's arm and dragged him away.

I sighed into my stew. None of this would ever be normal. A body plopped down where Carlos once sat. "You.. seem stressed."

I smiled. "I'm okay, Ryder. I just want to get this over with and head back to the base where we at least know who and where are enemies are."

"Would you like me to brush and braid your hair? I can't do anything fancy but I used to help my younger sister with her hair." Something about his statement clicked.

"Deja vu moment. Have you mentioned your sister to me before?" I looked over at him.

His the corners of his lips tightened although the smile on his face remained in place. "Yes. When all this first started."

"Oh.. well.. how about that brushing?" I grimaced, but Ryder laughed and went to grab a brush. Soon, the whole gang was breathing in the morning air as Ryder brushed and braided my hair. We were quiet, each lost to our own thoughts. Kaito had chided Chogan because he tore open a part of his wound last night. Everyone laughed and it eased the tension inside me.