Relief washed over me, so sudden and overwhelming that I nearly stumbled. But he caught me, his grip surprisingly gentle. For a brief moment, his touch was warm, grounding, and I allowed myself to lean into it before he let go, pulling away as though burned.
“Don’t get comfortable,” he warned, his voice gruff. “I don’t do charity, and I’m not risking my life to play babysitter.”
I bristled, but I couldn’t afford to be picky. “I won’t be a burden,” I promised, meeting his gaze with as much resolve as I could muster. “I just need a place to hide until I can figure out my next move.”
He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a curt nod, he turned and began moving through the trees. “Keep up,” he muttered over his shoulder, not bothering to slow down.
