Chapter 51: Dawn’s Uncertain Light

The morning sun blazes across the desert canyon, casting long shadows through the dusty windows of the bunkroom. I stir awake, half expecting a nightmare, only to find Elena curled against me, her warmth a startling comfort amid such danger.

We share a heavy-lidded gaze—still on edge, but there's a low hum of desire too. Memories of last night's whispered confessions flicker through my mind. She shifts slightly, and a soft gasp escapes her as she brushes against my thigh.

"We're alive," she murmurs, relief and longing mixing in her voice."Yeah," I reply, fingertips grazing a stray strand of her hair. My pulse surges, the closeness stirring heat under my skin despite the tension pounding at the door of my thoughts.

Before either of us can indulge the spark any further, footsteps shuffle outside. We tense, remembering we're not in a place of comfort but a smuggler's hideout. With a shared sigh, we pull apart. We can't risk letting our guard down completely—not yet.