SEAL's Desire (Alpha SEALs Coronado #1) - Makenna Jameison Page 0,30
and nothing else. Briefly, she wondered what he thought of her. Blake finished eating and got to his feet. “Do you need some more aspirin for your wrist?”
She nodded. “Yeah, that would probably help.” He handed the bottle over to her while he began taking down the tarp. His movements were quick, assured. He looked like he’d done this type of thing a thousand times before. Her mind drifted to a guy she’d briefly dated a few months back. They’d gone out for a hike together one Saturday, and he’d complained the entire time. He didn’t like the bugs, didn’t like the heat. He was worried he’d have to wash his car after parking it in the dirt lot at the base of the trail.
She’d gotten the impression he’d only agreed to the hike because he’d hoped to sleep with her that night.
The entire date had been mostly a disaster.
She took a swig of water to wash down the aspirin and rose to her feet. Blake had already packed everything else. Not that they had much with them, but he was certainly quick and efficient. Blake scrubbed a hand across his jaw, looking around the forest. “I think we’re an hour or so from the river. We’ll try for a signal there, and if not, follow it to where it widens.”
Clarissa nodded, swallowing. It made sense of course, but following the river seemed to also be the easiest way for someone else to spot them. “That’s how those guys found me.”
Blake looked back and raised his eyebrows.
“My guide and I were moving along the stream to hike back. It fed into the river, and they were following it, too.”
“We’ll keep a close watch and listen for anyone else nearby.”
She nodded, not liking the sudden butterflies filling her stomach. He’d probably think she was ridiculous if she admitted how frightened she was. She’d just escaped from those guys—she certainly didn’t want them or some other group to find her while she and Blake were moving around.
Catching the expression on her face, Blake took a step closer. “Hey.”
She looked up and met his dark gaze.
“You’re doing amazing. I know you’ve been through a lot the past few days, but I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She nodded, unexpected tears filling her eyes.
“Clarissa. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” he vowed.
“Okay,” she whispered, as a single tear slid down her cheek. Embarrassed, she swiped it away. How many times had she already cried in front of this man? Usually she was the strong one, letting things that upset her slide right off her back. And now? It’s like she couldn’t stop tearing up when he was near. She’d felt safe with Blake overnight, hidden by the dark. Nightmares aside, she’d otherwise slept pretty well. But moving around by the open river? She’d just need to steel herself and push her bad memories aside. She would never get home by hiding in Blake’s tarp in the middle of the jungle.
“We’ll be cautious when we approach the river. I know you’re scared, but it’s unlikely we’ll run into anyone. This is a big rainforest, and the group at the terror camp knows we’re here.”
“That gives them more reason to run away though,” she protested.
“Maybe. They’re probably hunkered down somewhere waiting until we leave.”
“I’m not trying to doubt you,” she said. “It’s just my guide and I were here alone….”
He nodded, holding out his hand. Hesitantly, she took it, letting his warm fingers wrap around her. Blake already had his rucksack on and his weapon in his other hand. She felt safe tethered to him this way though.
“I know you’re scared, but you don’t need to be,” he said, his dark eyes boring into hers. “I’ve got your back, and I’m right here beside you. What happened the other day will not happen again.”
“I trust you.”
They began walking, holding hands as they moved amongst the trees. It wasn’t a romantic gesture—he was helping her. Providing her the comfort she needed at that exact moment. Blake had already proven himself—he’d gotten her out of that camp. Let her rest while he watched over her last night.
Yesterday she’d clung to his arm in a panic though. Today, he’d offered his hand. Blowing out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d even been holding, she shakily moved beside him through the forest.
Chapter 14
Blake clenched his jaw, stepping over a vine as he held Clarissa’s hand. He didn’t know what the hell had gotten into him, but seeing the tears sliding