CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
I bolt out the door, morning air slapping my cheeks, heart hammering like it's ready to burst through my chest. The crunch of gravel under my feet echoes too loudly in the silence of our encampment. There, under the bright morning light, stands Jake, his silhouette both familiar and haunting.
"Jake," I breathe, skidding to a halt just inches from him.
He turns, eyes catching mine, flickers of silver and shadow. "Lily," he says, voice as rough as the desert wind. "I needed space... to think."
"About us?" My words are hopeful whispers, betraying the storm inside me.
"Everything," he admits, hands shoving into his jean pockets, shoulders hunched as if bracing against more than just the hot dawn.
"Is everything okay?" I ask, taking a tentative step closer. I can feel
