Maya’s POV
Liam didn’t say a word. Not one.
After my body finally gave in, after I cried into his shirt like some helpless little girl who couldn’t keep it together anymore, he didn’t lecture me. He didn’t tease. He didn’t even tell me it was fine.
He just… moved.
In one smooth motion, he lifted me off the ground. I jerked in surprise, instinctively pressing my palms against his chest.
“Put me down…”
“Stay still, Maya,” he said, his voice firm but quiet. “Just this once. Please.”
I froze. Maybe because of the word please. Perhaps because I didn’t have the energy to fight anymore, my head dropped against his shoulder, and I let him carry me.
He didn’t take me to my hut.
Instead, he brought me into his.
The space smelled of wood smoke and salt, and the inside was warmer than I expe
