11. Zena

Waking with a start, blinded by hazy sunbeams I instantly started worrying. Had the cosy, intimate night I shared with Briss an illusion?

His sleeping body wonderfully displayed as he rolled over. Shaggy black hair falling in awkward tufts across his forehead. Coupled with a sharp jawline and high cheekbones that could have been carved from marble, there's just something about him.

I planted a soft kiss on his cheek, inhaling that deep, earthy scent and clambered to my feet. Standing by the near-dead fire that ratcheting sensation around my heart clamped down tight, stopping me in my tracks. My past habits involve always being the first one to bail. I’ve certainly never spent the night curled up in a guy's arms.

But I don’t want to bail. Not this time.

So I walk, but gather up dry wood from the forest floor instead. For once, I’m going to be around. Briss will wake up to a hot fire, maybe he has some more food left, or just boil some water for drinking.

I hum a little song to myself