CHAPTER 49

Adam and Martin hiked in the middle of the woods, hardly lit by the meager light passing through the dense tree canopies. The air was thick with pine and damp earth; the only sound to break the silence was the rustling of leaves under their feet now and again.

Martin's tired gaze flickered to him, not amused in the slightest. "This would be better if I were paired with girls," he grumbled, adjusting his pace so as not to fall behind.

Adam chuckled at the look of frustration on Martin's face. "You should be thankful you're paired with me," he teased, raising an eyebrow. "At least I know what I'm doing."

Martin let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, all right, Mr. Know-it-all. Anyway, tell me. How do you know Maxine? Why are you so close to her?" he asked curiously with a tint of suspicion in his voice.

Adam rubbed his beard thoughtfully, feigning to give the question thought when he already knew the answer.

"Hmm. let's just say I'm her guardian," he answered with a mysterious grin.

Martin snorte