Chapter 45

CHAPTER 45

Jane’s eyes sparkled with defiance. "I’m not playing games. I’m just trying to survive this ridiculous situation we’re in."

Caleb’s smile faded slightly, a more serious look crossing his face. "I know it’s not easy. But you handle it better than anyone else could."

"Flattery will get you nowhere," she said, though she felt a warmth spread through her at his words.

"It’s not flattery," Caleb insisted. "It's the truth."

Jane sighed, the weight of their situation pressing down on her again.

"Why are you doing this, Caleb? Why do you keep trying to get under my skin?"

"Because you fascinate me," he said simply. "And because I think you feel the same way about me."

Jane’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. "Don’t flatter yourself."

"It’s not flattery," he repeated. "Just an observation."

She shook her head, standing up to put some distance between them. "You’re impossible."

Caleb followed her, not willing to let her escape. "And you’re avoiding the quest