Chapter 8 - Russell

I grit my teeth, fuming inwardly at my own careless slip about my military background. The last thing I want is for Lyla to start prying deeper, uncovering the ugly truths I've fought so hard to bury out here.

She doesn't need to be dragged into the darkness that haunts me, the grief and regrets I can never escape no matter how far I isolate myself. This girl is better off knowing as little as possible before she inevitably moves on with her life, putting this strange detour firmly behind her.

The smart move would be to cut ties right now—tell her our deal is off, that she needs to go, and shut it all down before either of us gets in too deep. But even as the rational part of my brain screams at me to do just that, I can't quite make myself say the words.

Lyla grins up at me, eyes sparkling with a strange mix of challenge and excitement.

"Alright, alright, what do you have for me next? I'm ready for anything."

A reluctant smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth before I can stop it. She looks every inch the feisty wildflower right now—cheeks flushed with color, strands of chestnut curls escaping her messy bun to cling damply to her skin, and those full lips parted slightly as she draws in heavy breaths.

I have to tear my gaze away, refocusing with an effort on tightening the straps of my pack.

"Don't get too cocky," I growl out, struggling to keep my tone gruff. "We're just getting started."

It would be so easy to get swept away by her, to let myself get lured into reciprocating those heated looks and teasing words. But that's a dangerous game I can't afford to play, no matter how tempting the prize.

I am a broken man, after all—one who has long since forfeited any right to the kind of happiness and light someone like Lyla represents.

With a clenched jaw, I jerk my chin towards the direction we'll be heading.

"This way. We've got a lot more ground to cover today."

There's no responding sassy quip or banter this time as Lyla falls obediently into step behind me.

We keep trekking in silence for what feels like miles. Finally, I stop us in a small clearing littered with various bushes and shrubs bearing different kinds of berries.

"Next survival lesson," I announce gruffly. "Foraging for food. You'll need to learn which of these are edible and which are poisonous."

Lyla nods, already scanning our surroundings with keen eyes. After a contemplative pause, she glances back at me.

"Can we maybe stop by that lake afterward? I could really use a chance to freshen up a bit."

The innocent request has me stilling, mind immediately conjuring images of Lyla stripping down, water sluicing over soft curves. I give myself a harsh inward shake, jaw clenching hard.

"Russell?" Her voice breaks through my wandering thoughts. "Did you hear me?"

"Yeah, uh, we can head to the lake when we're done here," I manage to grit out. "For now, just pay attention."

Nodding at the bushes again, I force myself to explain which berries are safe for consumption and which ones can make you deathly ill if ingested. Lyla listens intently, seemingly unaware of the war I'm waging to keep my thoughts from straying down inappropriate paths.

By the time I've covered the basics, a light sheen of sweat glistens on my brow despite the cool morning air. I squeeze my eyes shut briefly, fighting off a wave of frustration with myself.

This reckless attraction to a stranger is quickly spiraling out of control.

The sooner I can get Lyla on her way and out of my disrupted life, the better for both of us. Before I do something unforgivably stupid that we will both regret.

"Are you done with the lesson?" Lyla asks once I've finished my overview of edible vegetation.

I shoot her a pointed look.

"Did you actually absorb any of that, or were you too busy thinking about your shower?"

She huffs out an exasperated breath.

"Yes, I listened! I just feel gross without a chance to clean up, that's all."

With a curt nod, I start retracing our steps back towards my cabin and the nearby lake.

"Alright then, let's get moving."

To my surprise, Lyla falls into stride beside me rather than following behind this time.

"So, did you pick up all this survival know-how in the military or after you started living out here?"

I tense slightly at her, circling back to my history, but force myself to reply evenly.

"A bit of both, I suppose. But the skills from my service days helped me adjust to this lifestyle more easily."

"You were being honest? You built that little cabin all by yourself?" She glances over at me, eyes widening with a hint of admiration.

My chest inexplicably puffs out a bit at her words.

"That's right. I had to learn pretty quickly how to construct a basic shelter that could withstand the elements."

Lyla shakes her head slowly, "That's amazing, Russell. You should be really proud of yourself for basically starting over like that from scratch."

The simple compliment lodges in my throat, thick and choking. I nod, blinking hard against the unwelcome sting in my eyes.

It's been so long since anyone expressed anything resembling pride over my accomplishments - not since before that fateful day that ripped my best friend from this world and obliterated everything I thought I knew about myself.

Swallowing hard, I force my gaze forward, fixing it on our path as we continue onwards in silence. I can't allow myself to unravel now, not over something as inconsequential as an offhand kindness from a stranger who will soon be gone.

"You alright over there?" Lyla's voice breaks through my momentary lapse.

"Yeah, I'm fine. We're almost to the lake, anyway." I reply, shoving aside the unexpected swell of emotion.

Sure enough, we soon emerge into the small clearing surrounding the pristine water source. Lyla pauses, taking in the picturesque scene with an appreciative gaze.

"Wow, I never would have guessed it was this pretty back here."

"It's my favorite spot in these woods," I admit gruffly.

She glances over at me with a small smile.

"I can see why. So..." Her expression takes on a sly edge. "Are you planning to join me for a dip?"

I stiffen instantly at the suggestive implication, "I'll give you some privacy. Just holler when you're done."

Turning on my heel, I start to retreat towards the cover of the tree line. But Lyla's voice stops me.

"Oh, don't be dumb. We're both adults here. I think we can manage. You can just close your eyes while I undress. Then I'll get in first and let you know when it's safe to strip down, too."

My jaw ticks as I try not to react to her casual words.

"You already got one free show courtesy of yours truly, remember?"

Lyla's cheeks instantly flush a brilliant crimson, "That was completely unintentional, and you know it!" she sputters indignantly.

Despite my inner turmoil, I can't quite resist cracking a faint smirk.

"If you say so."

"Just turn around and shut it already," Lyla huffs, though her tone lacks any real bite.

I do as instructed, pivoting on my feet to put my back towards the lakeshore. The telltale sounds of her undressing echo through the quiet forest air—the soft thump of fabric hitting the ground and her slow footsteps across the rocky bank.

It takes every ounce of willpower to keep my eyes averted as vivid imaginings of her naked body assail me. I clench my fists hard enough for nails to bite into calloused palms, fighting the overwhelming urge to whirl back around and simply look upon her in all her glory.

What I wouldn't give to be able to openly drink in those lush curves glistening with droplets of water, to stride forward and yank her flush against me without shame or restraint...

A loud splash jolts me from my spiraling fantasies.

"Alright, the coast is clear!" Lyla's voice rings out, slightly distorted by the rippling surface.

I exhale a shuddering breath before cautiously turning to face the lake once more. True to her word, Lyla floats casually in the center of the glassy waters, everything from her collarbones down obscured beneath the pristine liquid. She flashes me a cheeky wave.

"You just going to gawk all day, or are you coming in?"