Ruby's POV
Carter was still moving around the cabin: collecting things, adjusting logs in the fire, checking windows, like sitting still was a risk he couldn’t afford.
I watched him from the couch, legs tucked beneath the blanket, half a slice of dry bread in my hand.
I’d already eaten more this morning than I had in the past two days combined, but my body was still running on fumes. Every bite felt like a battle. But I forced it down.
For her.
For me.
“You look like hell,” I said softly.
He turned, surprised by the comment. A tired grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Thanks. Always a confidence booster.”
“I mean it,” I said, sitting up straighter. “You’re walking like you got hit by a tree.”
He stretched his neck, and a grimace pulled across his face.
“That’s not too far o
