Charlie's eyes darted to Amanda's, a storm of emotions flickering across his face—fear, anger, grief, and something she couldn't quite name. It was the first time she'd seen him so unguarded, and it told her one thing: whatever he had just said, it mattered, a lot.
He tightened his grip on the machete in his hand. His gaze locked on hers, steady and intense. "Amanda, I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me." His voice was low but firm. "If I tell you I'm doing the right thing, even if no one else understands it, will you stand by me?"
Amanda didn't hesitate. She nodded, her voice steady. "I will. You've saved my life, Charlie—more than once. I know you won't do anything to hurt me."
Relief softened the tension in his shoulders. "Good," he said, exhaling. "I don'
