Solange

I shift when Asher sits down beside me by the fire. He doesn't say anything but I know he can feel the tension between us. This whole situation feels so surreal-how did we go from strangers on a plane to survivors in the mountain?

He practically saved my ass, made sure I survive the crash, expertly navigated the terrain and somehow he managed to find us shelter. There's nobody else I'd rather be with than him and there's an undeniable bond between us after everything that happened, a bond that worries me a little due to its intensity.

Asher's gaze meets mine, hot and searching, hotter than the fire. His eyes hold a warmth that draws me in, a magnetism that I can't resist. There's something about him, something magnetic yet more comforting than a bedtime tale. I've leaned on him for strength, for guidance, and now the pull I feel toward him is almost making me nauseated.

He moves closer, and I hold my breath when his hand reaches out to brush a lock of hair from my face. Yes, please touch me. His touch is electric, sending shivers down my spine. I swallow nervously, my heart pounding in my chest as he leans in, his lips hovering just inches from mine.

"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are to me," he murmurs, his voice low and husky.

I meet his gaze, my breath catching in my throat. I'm not surprised this is happening. We barely know each other but this was inevitable, the pull is just too strong. The air between us crackles with tension, desire mingling with the flickering warmth of the fire. I shake my head and he raises his brows, his stubble close to brushing my face.

"I'll show you," he rasps. Without another word, he closes the distance between us, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that ignites a wildfire within me. His kiss is urgent, passionate, a storm of emotions unleashed.

I respond eagerly, my hands finding their way to his shoulders, fingers tangling in his hair.

He takes my clothes off, his clothes until we're naked and coiling around each other for dear life.

His kisses trail along my jawline, down my neck, igniting a trail of fire along my skin. I moan softly, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through me. Every touch, every caress unlocks unlocked something primal in me.

He pushes me down on the rug in front of the fireplace,.his hands pulling me closer to him. The heat between us is desperate. Brutal. I lose myself in him, in the taste of his lips, the feel of his touch. Time slips away, and all that matters is this moment, this connection between us.

Our kiss grows more fervent, a hunger awakens within me, a hunger that matches his own. The flames of the fire reflect the need in his eyes.. Clasping his shoulders, I manoeuvre him onto his back and take his shaft between my lips, my eyes widening when he lets out a soft cry. I pump him with my mouth until he begs me to stop, his whole body straining as if his spine is going to snap. Popping him out of my mouth, I straddle him, because I want to be in charge. I curl my fingers around the base of his length, then stop when a wave of hesitancy washes over me. My cheeks flush and suddenly I wonder what I was thinking, straddling him like that as if I have years of experience behind me but Asher keeps me in place.

"Don't get coy on me now," he rasps, his eyes boring into mine, almost dangerous in their passionate expression and I let out a gasp.

"I d…don't…" I stammer, blushing.

"Can't keep that pussy lingering…" he groans, clasping my hips and suddenly I'm attached to him. Stars dance behind my eyes. "Fuck I don't know who's hotter," Asher groans. "You or the fire." He thrusts with his cock until my teeth clatter, mind turning into a jumbled mess and I think I slowly fall apart on top of him.

At first his thrusts are frantic as if he just needs to get it over with, but when he sees the startled look on my face, he slows down. He takes his time with me until I'm rolling my hips against his all on my own. I surrender to him completely.

His eyes watch me as if I'm his good, little apprentice, his heart beating beneath my palm and then everything blows up again and again until I forget who I am and what I'm doing here. A dazed smile curves my lips. I didn't even know two people could make fireworks. But now I do.

***

I wake to the soft creaking of the mattress, feeling the warmth of Asher's body beside me. The events of last night flood back—the intense kiss by the fire, the way his crafty hands traced every curve of my body, the passion that ignited between us. I feel a blush creep up my cheeks as I remember how close we became, how his touch made me feel like a…woman.

I turn to find Asher already awake, his gaze meeting mine with a hint of a smile playing on his lips. His tousled hair and the morning light filtering through the windows, shadowing his chiseled features.

"Good morning," he says, his voice low and husky, tracing a finger down my spine an I get goosebumps.

"Good morning," I reply, my voice just as husky. "Did you sleep well?"

He stretches lazily, his muscles shifting under the thin blanket. "Was too busy watching you."

I roll my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "Then you must be exhausted."

Asher chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "On the contrary." He puts his arm behind his neck. "I'm pumped."

I sit up, pulling the blanket around me. "I can't figure out why," I tease, letting my gaze linger on him suggestively.

His grin widens, and he leans closer. "Drop the blanket and I'll show you."

I bite my lip playfully, enjoying the banter between us. "I'm not dropping it."

He raises an eyebrow, a challenge glinting in his eyes. "I don't think you have a choice…" He reaches over about to snatch it, but I squeal, jump out of bed and rush to put my clothes on. Comfortable ones, and nothing like the tight uniform.

I throw a look over my shoulder, watching Asher groan and twist between the sheets in agony. He rolls over to his stomach, thrusting his hips into the mattress and my cheeks flush, warmth trickling in my lower belly.

"Fuck, you're slippery," he growls while I snicker. He lets out a final growl, then gets up, naked and glorious. "It's like you're begging to be death gripped, sunshine angel."

Something threatening flares in his eyes and he clasp my throat, then gives me a punishing kiss. The air between us crackles with tension, and when he pulls away, I'm breathless and red in the face. He smirks, pleased with himself and I swat at his chest.

We spend the morning in the cabin, sharing a simple breakfast of trail mix and bottled water. I worry about Carrie and others, wonder what happened to them but I don't raise my concerns to Asher. I don't want him to think I blame him for anything.

"You know, crashing does have its perks," I say, breaking the silence between us. "Who knew."

Asher grins, nodding and he wipes his fingers on a napkin. "We'll be fine here until they find us. But in the meantime…" He trails off, a needy glint in his eyes and he yanks my chair closer to his.

"In the meantime?" I prompt, my heart racing at the playful look on his face.

He leans in, his voice low and intimate. "In the meantime, we make the most of our time here. Exploring, enjoying each other…"

I swallow, his words sending a thrill through me. "I like the sound of that."

He chuckles softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face. "I like the sound of you."

We spend the rest of the day, working around the cabin, cleaning, dusting and stealing kisses in between. In the afternoon the sun bathes the cabin in golden light and Asher mentions something about us needing more firewood. I follow him outside and he peels his shirt off, revealing a sculpted physique that sends a flutter through my chest.

"Admit you just did that because you want to show off?" I tease breathlessly, biting my lip and I'm getting hot and bothered again.

"Have to keep my girl entertained," he smirks with a wink, grabbing an axe leaning against the cabin wall.

I watch him as he strides towards a stack of logs nearby. The muscles in his arms flex with each swing of the axe, his movements strong and powerful. A pang of admiration and something deeper stirs within me as I observe him, appreciating the raw strength and skill in him.

After a while, I tear myself away from the sight and decide to explore the area around the cabin. The forest beckons and I've always loved the smell of pine trees but then I hear Asher's voice.

"I don't want you going anywhere without me," he calls, a low warning in his voice but I brush him off with a playful wave.

"I won't go far. You'll still be able to see me," I say but I can sense his apprehension and agitation in the air. I wander into the woods, the ground soft beneath my feet, the air cool against my skin. The sounds of nature envelop me—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a bird. It's peaceful, serene, until I notice something that makes my heart skip a beat.

Footsteps.

Several sets of them, too many to belong to just Asher and me. What the…My breath catches in my throat as I realize we're not alone. Panic threatens to take hold, but I force myself to stay calm, to listen.

A twig snaps nearby, the sound echoing through the trees. Fear grips me now, icy tendrils creeping up my spine. I should call out to Asher, warn him. But before I can utter a word, another twig snaps, closer this time.

I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. Every instinct screams at me to run, to find Asher, to get back to safety. But my feet remain rooted to the spot, my senses on high alert as I strain to pinpoint the source of the sounds.

I hold my breath, waiting, listening. The woods feel suddenly hostile, unfamiliarity lurking among the trees. Fear and adrenaline surge through me, my mind racing with possibilities, none of them reassuring.

Then, just as I'm about to call out, a voice breaks the silence—a low, menacing whisper that sends a chill down my spine.

"Don't move."

I whip around and come face to face with a figure emerging from the shadows. His eyes gleam with something unreadable, his stance predatory. I stumble backwards, my voice catching in a strangled cry as I realize the danger I'm in.

Before I can react, another figure appears beside them, and then another. They move closer, closing in on me with purposeful steps. Panic surges anew, my mind racing for a way out, for a means of escape. But as I back away, my foot catches on a root, and I stumble to the ground with a gasp.

Surrounded now, I feel a surge of desperation. Asher. I need Asher. Terror grips me as I struggle to my feet, my gaze darting wildly through the trees.

"Ash—"

Before I can finish calling his name, a hand clamps over my mouth, stifling my scream. Dread washes over me as I realize the gravity of the situation, the realization sinking in with chilling clarity.

They're going to hurt us.

I struggle against the hand over my mouth, fear and adrenaline coursing through my veins. Without thinking, I sink my teeth into the flesh, tasting blood as the grip loosens with a pained grunt. I don't hesitate. With all my strength, I scream.

"ASHER!"

The sound tears from my throat, primal and desperate, echoing through the quiet forest. I twist around to see Asher, his eyes widening in alarm as he drops the axe and starts running towards me, his expression a mix of fear and determination.

"Solange!" he yells, panic in his voice.

But before he can reach me, they're upon him—two dark figures emerging from the shadows, wielding a crowbar. I watch in horror as they slam it into Asher's side, the impact knocking him off balance. He stumbles, his grip on the axe lost, and falls to the ground with a pained grunt.

"No!" I scream, my knees caving, my voice raw with terror.

The men waste no time. They grab him roughly, dragging him away from me, as he drifts in and out of consciousness. I lunge forward, desperation lending me strength as I try to reach him, but I'm grabbed from behind.

I fight with everything I have, clawing and kicking, but they overpower me easily. I catch a glimpse of Asher being hauled away through the trees, his face a mask of pain and fury. Tears blur my vision as I'm pulled further into the dense undergrowth, my heart pounding in my chest.

They lead us away from the cabin, into a shed hidden among the trees. Inside, the air is thick with dust and the smell of rotting wood. They push us forcefully into chairs, binding our wrists and ankles with rough rope that cuts into my skin.

I struggle against my bonds, adrenaline still coursing through me. Asher meets my gaze from across the dimly lit barn, his jaw clenched in defiance.

"Look at me," he says, his words hoarse. "I won't let anything happen to you."

"Shut the fuck up, asshole!" one of the men barks, his knuckles meeting Asher's jawline and I struggle not to burst into tears. "If I wanted you to talk, I would've thrown a fucking tea-party."

I swallow hard, trying to steady my breathing, trying to think of a way out of this nightmare. But as I glance around the shadows dancing in the corners, I realize just how trapped we are.

"Who are you?" I whisper, my voice trembling.

One of the men steps forward, his voice low and menacing. "We're the owners of the cabin you and your pretty little boyfriend decided to occupy," he growls with a sneer.

I exchange a glance with Asher, a knot of dread tightening in my chest. "We didn't know," I protest, the words tumbling out in a rush. "We crashed nearby and—"

"Yeah, yeah we've seen the wreckage," another man interrupts, his tone dismissive. "But that doesn't change the fact that you trespassed."

My mind races, trying to formulate a plan, trying to find a way to appeal to their humanity. "Please," I plead, desperation creeping into my voice. "We'll go. Just let us go. You don't have to hurt us."

They exchange a look that sends a chill down my spine. "You're right," one of them says coldly. "We don't have to. But we want to."

I swallow hard, a cold sweat breaking out across my skin. "What are you going to do with us?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

The man's lips curl into a cruel smile. "Isn't it obvious?" he taunts. "We're going to kill you."

The words hang in the air like a death sentence, and for a moment, everything around me blurs. Fear grips me like icy tendrils, squeezing the breath from my lungs. The reality of our situation crashes over me like a wave, overwhelming and suffocating.

"No!" I sob, shaking my head in denial. "Please, don't!"

But deep down, I know they will and there's nothing we can do about it. Dizziness washes over me. I hear Asher call my name as if he wants to comfort me, but it's useless, his voice like an echo. My vision blurs, the shed spinning around me, and then everything turns black.