Chapter 28 Sharing a Tent?
Marcus’s face flushed. Veins stood out along his neck.
His hand was a blur of pain.
With everyone watching, he refused to cry out again. He clenched his jaw and tried to endure it, but each cheerful shake sent another jolt up his arm. His body followed the motion, and he slowly bent forward.
Chloe burst out laughing.
She’d noticed the handshake going on far too long. At first, she’d been ready to step in. Then she’d realized Ryan wasn’t the one in trouble.
“You look like you’re meeting your boss,” she said.
The others looked from her to Marcus.
He was bent toward Ryan, nodding with each movement of their hands. He did look remarkably respectful.
Humiliation deepened the red in his face.
Being hurt was bad enough. Being laughed at by a beautiful woman, in front of everyone, made it worse.
He wanted to lash out. He could barely think past the pain.
Just as he was about to abandon his pride and demand release, Ryan let go.
“We’ll have those drinks later,” he said, patting Marcus’s arm.
Marcus snatched his hand back and forced a smile.
“Absolutely.”
He shook out his fingers, trying to make light of it.
“Hell of a grip. Thought you were going to break my hand.”
“Really? Sorry. Got carried away.” Ryan looked concerned. “You’re all right, though? Tough guy like you?”
Marcus cursed him silently.
“Fine.”
He turned toward the vehicles.
“Let’s divide the gear. We have to carry it up from here.”
Jason watched him go, then followed.
At the open cargo hatch, Marcus leaned into the vehicle, hiding his face. His features were twisted as he rubbed his right hand.
“Let me help,” Jason said loudly, reaching for a bag.
Then, more quietly, “What happened?”
Marcus showed him the hand.
“Is he made of iron?”
Purple discoloration marked the skin. Ryan’s fingers had left distinct impressions.
Jason stared.
“He did that?”
“This isn’t only your problem now. I’m going to cripple him.”
“We’ll find an opening,” Jason promised.
The group divided the equipment and started up a narrow trail, each person carrying a share.
“People used to camp here all the time,” Jason told them. “Then a bear attacked a campsite. It’s been pretty quiet since.”
Chloe stopped smiling.
“There are bears?”
“It connects to the forest farther back. Animals wander through. I’ve heard there are wolves, too.”
“Then why are we camping here? There must be safer places.”
Marcus laughed.
“I brought a crossbow. A bear turns up, and we’ll have extra meat for the grill.”
“He was one of the best in his unit,” Jason assured her. “He can handle it.”
He glanced at Ryan.
“And we have another veteran. We’ll be fine.”
The trail brought them to a pool at the base of a small waterfall. This was where they would camp.
“Plenty of fish,” Jason said. “We brought rods. We can fish this afternoon while the food’s cooking. Catch enough and we’ll have fish for dinner, too.”
He clapped his hands.
“Tents first. Keep them close together, just in case.”
Ryan began sorting through Chloe’s equipment, then looked up.
“One tent?”
“Yes.”
“Where am I sleeping?”
“It fits two.”
He lowered his voice.
“We’re sharing?”
“Of course. We’re supposed to be a couple.” She leaned closer. “If we don’t act like one, how am I going to convince Jason to give up?”