River Girl by R.E. Whaley

Author:R.E. Whaley [Whaley, R.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: YA Young Adult eBooks Finch Books Books Fiction
Publisher: Finch Books
Published: 2016-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Pauline Choice. In trouble. Now heading toward Mayer town. Send help.

He hasn’t written anything on the paper about himself. “Ellis?” I say, hiding the paper behind my back, and he turns to look at me, a question spread across his face.

“Never mind.” I set the note back into the raft when he isn’t looking. He must have a reason for what he’s done. I suppose I could outright ask him, but then he might think I don’t trust him. He’s more experienced than I am, and I know I’m slowing him down. What happens to me if he thinks I’m ungrateful then goes on without me? He’s the one beacon I have out here.

Ellis steps close and a muscle jerks on his face. Stubble dots his cheeks and makes him seem wilder than when we began the trip. “Is something wrong?” His body is almost pressed against mine, his scent all masculine musk. I can’t think straight with the smell of him arousing decadent longings in me. I have a hard time thinking when he’s around me. Period. Because when he’s near me, all I want is him.

My fingers quiver, but I let my breath out and work up a smile. “No. I’m as good as I can be.”

Still standing a little too near me, he returns my smile. “We’ll be okay, Pauline.”

Ellis steps away and takes the power of his scent with him. I’m able to gather my senses. He doesn’t know I read the note. I think. If I believe he has my best interests at heart, believe in him, then why am I starting to doubt him again?

I can barely walk with my overloaded pack weighing down on my shoulders, though I have it good compared to Ellis, who’s carrying two bags and our tent. I can’t very well ask him to help me carry my bag, too. I’m filled with panic. How am I ever going to make it up the mountains?

Ellis sneaks up alongside me and I jump. His hand lands on my arm to help me balance. “Take it easy, there.” The corners of his mouth edge up into a smile.

I steady myself and can only just hold back sobbing over our situation. Did Ellis really mean what he said about him eating less food than me so it’ll last longer? What if he’s underestimated the severity of our situation, and it takes longer than he thinks to reach that town? What will we eat? I’ve seen those TV shows where they drop contestants in the middle of nowhere to fend for themselves. Does Ellis know about foods from the forest that are safe for us to eat? “Ellis, are you sure about this? Maybe I should wait here while you head for the town and bring help back.”

Ellis doesn’t even stop to contemplate my suggestion before he shakes his head. “No. That wouldn’t be safe for you. I’m not going to do that, Pauline.”

“But… But what will we do when it gets dark out?”

“We’ll sleep in the tent.

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