But they ate quietly, and both decided that they were exceptionally exhausted.
Gripp found a high tree that looked over the place where the boat was headed for them. They climbed it easily, with Gripp indulging in a glance at April’s strong ass moving up the branches like a creature of the jungle. He wished that he could squeeze it one last time, make love to her, and tell her that he was hers for the taking.
They laid blankets on a thick branch overlooking the water. They relaxed the way they always did, somehow settling into a spooning position where April sank into his arms. They fit against each other perfectly.
April let out a sigh, pressing her ass against him and pulling his arm to wrap around her. They were too tired for any fooling around, but it was always tempting with April. She didn’t need to do anything, and he would crave her.
“Goodnight, Gripp,” she said quietly.
“Goodnight, April,” he replied.
Gripp lay there for a while, the soft sounds of April’s breathing deepening to let him know she’d fallen into a slumber. It was a serene, peaceful sound. He could easily get used to it.
He let himself imagine a life where they shared a king-sized bed with fluttering curtains that beckoned out over a sparkling sea. He imagined waking up with her next to him every morning, excited to see her naked form. He would kiss her back, her shoulders, and she would wake dozily to the sensation of his lips upon her eyelids. He would kiss her deeply, thankful for every second that he had to drink in her iridescent presence.
It made him feel whole to think of that.
But he didn’t know how much of it was going to happen. He had to trust her in order to tell her how he felt. And trust was something he thought would never come to him after so many people in his life had let him down.
He sank into sleep finally, dreaming only of April.
TWENTY-FIVE
APRIL
The sounds of the marsh sighed against April’s consciousness as she slowly woke from a deep sleep. She wouldn’t have thought being curled up in a tree would be a very comfortable place to sleep, but apparently, if she was curled up with Gripp, that was all she needed to feel completely relaxed and happy.
Gripp’s hands tightened on her as soon as she moved, and she reached up to stroke his face. They looked into each other’s eyes, and April felt something unspoken pass between them. It was as if they understood each other completely without having to say a word.
“Ready to go?” Gripp asked. April nodded and stood slowly, stretching as she uncoiled from the shelter of the tree.
They ate some rations and then resumed their walk through the marsh toward the far shore. Gripp was certain that his boat was in a convenient place and that they could use it to return to the military ship.
“Once we get near the beach, the boat is to the side in a cove, hidden by a small pile of rocks,” Gripp said. “We should reach the beach in the next few minutes. Keep your head down and try to stay quiet.”
“Why?” April asked very softly. “Do you think there are bad guys around?”
“There might be if they’ve guessed where we’re going,” he said. “I don’t want to let my guard down just because we are almost out of here.”
April’s hands tightened on her backpack. She almost couldn’t believe that she’d gotten out of here alive, not to mention with all the evidence she needed to write her article. Gripp was right, though. They were close to getting out of here, but there was still danger.
The trees began to thin out, and a cool, salty breeze blew into April’s face. She looked out across the sand, joy rising in her heart. The powerful waves looked like freedom itself was beckoning to her, guiding her out of darkness and back to civilization.
“Okay,” Gripp said very softly. “The sound and scent of the sea are masking most of the environment right now. I’m pretty sure no one is here, but just in case, I want you to cover me.”
Gripp handed her a gun, and April took it, nodding with determination.
“I’ve got you,” she told him. Gripp smiled and touched her cheek, kissing her gently.
“I’ll run down there and drag the boat to the water. If it’s clear, run down and join me, and we’ll push off straight away. Cover me as best you can if there's trouble, but get to the boat.”
“Then what?” she asked, eyeing him warily.
“April,” he said, taking her shoulders in both of his hands. “The most important thing is for you to get on that boat. I want you to push off and head for the ship, no matter what. You hear me?”
She nodded, looking him in the eye. “I understand,” she said softly.
I would never leave you behind, not ever.