Cruel Intoxication (Underground Kings 4)

Jolie

I didn’t expect to be free of my nightmare so quickly. I knew he’d look for me in the woods. When I first heard him talking to Owen, I stayed huddled in the corner of the tent, afraid to move, to breathe, and I waited for Owen to throw me to the man I worked so hard to get away from, but he didn’t.

Instead, he killed him.

And I’ve never been more elated

.

I hardly slept last night, thinking about how my life is forever changed. I no longer have to look over my shoulder. I no longer have to be afraid of the dark.

I smile, elated.

Owen is a knight in shining armor, and I bet he has no idea.

I stretch, waking up more refreshed than ever, then yawn. My stomach grumbles with hunger. Out of habit, I regret waking up to begin with because I never get food in the morning, but then I hear something sizzling outside the tent.

My neck aches from sleeping in an awkward position, and I turn it to try to stretch it out. Straightening my clothes the best I can, I try to look presentable, but figure that’s pointless since I’m such a mess. My hair is tangled, and I can’t remember the last time I had a decent shower. Unzipping the tent, I make my way out to see Owen flipping something over in a skillet that smells delicious along with a few pieces of fish cooking over the fire.

“Well, good morning. Rise and shine, sleepy head,” he greets me with wet hair, and he's completely shirtless.

I look away, not wanting to be rude by staring.

“Sorry, let me just grab a shirt. I went on a quick run this morning before fishing for breakfast.” He bends down to pick up a shirt laying a rock, and his torso flexes with thick muscle as he tugs it over his head.

I’ve never seen a man like him before. Brave, strong, willing to do what it takes, even for a complete stranger.

Part of me wants to dare to say he’s beautiful, but an admission like that scares me because then I’m admitting to myself that I’ve been intrigued by him.

I don’t want to be intrigued.

But maybe… I can have a friend? It’s been a long time since I’ve had any friends.

“We are going to eat and then head to the Cliff House. You think you’re up for the hike, or do you need me to carry you?” he asks, turning the fish over the fire.

“Um, I don’t have shoes, and my feet are killing me, but I can try to walk…” I try not to sound so pathetic, but my feet are cut up and raw from running so much. I don’t want to walk anymore.

“Of course, I should have thought of that. No problem. I can carry you. Come on, sit down, have breakfast, and we will get packed up to leave.” He prepares a plate, giving me a side of bacon and fish.

The smell wafts in my nose, and my stomach growls. “Thank you. It smells delicious. You didn’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I did,” he says without explanation and digs into the fish with his fingers instead of utensils. “Watch out for bones. I’m not sure if I got them all.”

I follow his lead and pull apart the fish, searching for any bones, but all I feel it fluffy meat. The first taste of the warm, lemon flavored fish has me inhaling the food. It’s the most I’ve eaten in weeks. I don’t even think I chew it to be honest. I stuff my mouth and then chew on the crispy bacon. It’s sweet and salty, perfectly cooked, and I moan as I swallow it. I bring the plate to my mouth and lick it clean, then realize what I’m doing. He’s watching me with a smile on his face as he chews slowly.

“Sorry,” I say, lowering the plate to my lap. I wipe my mouth when I realize how disgusting and unladylike I must look. I’m embarrassed. “It’s been so long. I…”

“No, don’t be sorry. I like a lady with an appetite, plus, compliments to the chef, right?” He winks at me, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“Right,” I blush, still chastising myself when I think about what I did. I’m going to have to remember I’m going to be able to eat now, whenever I want. I won’t have to beg or cry or perform acts I never want to.

I’m ashamed of myself for doing that, for lowering myself to the point where I practically sold myself for food, but I was desperate. I was so hungry. I would have done anything for a slice of bread.

“Hey, where’d you go?” He lifts my chin from where I got lost in thought.

“Nowhere important,” I say, handing him the plate. The taste of bacon lingers on my tongue, and I wish there was more. I could eat forever if allowed … well, if I could.

“I doubt that, Jolie, but you have your secrets, and I understand the need to hold them close.” His fingers gently let go of my chin, and he grabs a bucket to his left, then walks down toward the river to fill it full of water.