Chapter 8 - Nikita #2
"I can," he says. "I imagine this is the type of thing you were born to do—a girl like you."
For a moment, I can't figure out if that's a compliment or not, although it definitely feels like one. My heart clenches, my grin grows wider, and my confidence grows.
The descent is slow, but along the way, I learn the ropes and all fear leaves my mind. I'm having too much to worry about what his plans are.
When my feet hit the bottom, I'm pumped so full of adrenaline that I unclip and run straight toward him, jumping into his arms to hug him.
He's stiff, but automatically catches me.
"That was so awesome!" I exclaim, giggling.
He smells amazing. His body feels incredible against mine.
He chuckles nervously, setting me back down on my feet and stepping away from me. I realize what I've done, and my giggle turns into a blush as I quickly turn away.
"Are we climbing back up now?" I ask, changing the subject.
"Not just yet. There's a great spot here for lunch."
Bardil packs the gear into his backpack, and we walk a short distance toward the sound of running water.
Stepping around a rock formation, my eyes take in the most beautiful sight.
A small waterfall and a massive glittering pool of crystal clear water that leads off into a beautiful stream that disappears into the trees.
"Wow," I whisper in awe.
"It's perfect, isn't it?" Bardil says quietly, his eyes drifting over the scene.
"It really is," I whisper.
I sit on the edge of a smooth rock with my bare feet dangling into the crystal pool. It's icy and refreshing. He's busy gathering sticks and building a little fire.
I can't tear my eyes off him. I've never met a man who seems so capable, so in control of the situation, even though there is nothing but wilderness around us. What's that stupid question everyone asks? Man or bear?
I know exactly which one I would choose.
My eyes drift up and down his rugged, muscular body. Carved with strength and agility. My body begins to hum again. Not for the first time today.
He has this effect on me often, despite the fact that I try to ignore it every time.
He crouches next to the fire and gently blows on it until the thin wisp of smoke turns into a flickering red flame. Bardil smiles and shouts, "Fire!" triumphantly.
I giggle and stand up from the stream, walking barefoot to the steadily growing fire.
Bardil sets a blanket down on the mossy ground and cocks his head to the side. "Sit, I'll grab the backpack. We can toast a s'more."
Why does my heart flutter so much around him?
Why does my primal mind tell me he's a man who could really take care of me? His strength and capability spark my hormones into a raging furnace.
I clear my throat and drag my eyes away when I realize I'm staring. "Sounds good," I smile.
Bardil sits close to me. His leg is pressed against mine. It's only because the blanket isn't massive. That's all. He just doesn't want to sit on the cold ground.
He hands me a ham and cheese sandwich wrapped in paper.
"It's already got salt and pepper on it," he says.
"When did you make these?" I ask.
"Early this morning," he says, shrugging.
"Thank you," I grin, my heart doing that thing again.
"I love it out here," he says quietly, glancing at me from the corner of his eye.
"Me too," I agree. "How did you find the little waterfall?"
"I've had a good few months alone in these woods with nothing else to do but explore."
"Alone out here? For months at a time?" I gasp.
He laughs. "It's not as bad as you make it sound."
"What about the bear?" I blurt out.
He turns to look at me, his eyes bright with amusement.
"What about the bear?"
"Would it have followed our scent?" I ask thoughtfully, glancing around us.
"Oh yes. Definitely… and he was a young one. You should see the mother. She's massive."
"Really?" I sit up straighter.
"Once a bear catches your scent, it won't ever stop hunting you. They're relentless. I even saw footprints around the cabin because he stalks around there at night, looking for a way in." Bardil's eyes are locked onto mine. The seriousness in them has my heart racing.
"The bear is hunting me?" My voice quivers.
"Oh yes. I'd be very… " He starts laughing when he sees the expression on my face. My wide-eyed panic, the upright straightness of my spine, and how my lips are pulled are tight.
"I'm kidding, Lita," he laughs, full of heart. A loud, deep rumble that vibrates through me as he leans into me and wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close for a moment.
I start laughing too.
"I can't believe you did that," I gasp in relief. "I really thought that damn bear was going to burst out of the tree line any second."
"The look on your face… " He's still laughing, his hand rubbing over my arm. Without thinking, I'm leaning into him, resting my cheek against his chest.
In a second, I realize what's happening and my stomach clenches.
We're acting like old friends, or new lovers, intimate and sweet. Sharing tender moments in beautiful forests.
I take a sharp breath in and quickly move away from him.
"You're mean," I smile, pushing the inappropriate thoughts from my mind.
"You don't have to worry about that furball. He would have stayed in his territory. The only reason he would've ventured this side is if food got scarce there and he was desperate. And food isn't scarce out here."
I stand up from the blanket, unable to sit close to him anymore. I can't believe how easily I forgot who he was. A dangerous man who kidnapped me. A man I should be wary of, not leaning toward. He's still my enemy. I shouldn't forget that.
"We should get going," I say, dusting my hands over my pants. "This has been amazing though," I smile, hoping he doesn't think I'm being rude.
With a groan, he gets up too and picks up the blanket to shake it off. "It will be dark soon," he agrees. "We still have to climb back up, and that'll take at least half an hour.