Shelter Below: The Underground: Book 1 by Kennedy R.L

Author:Kennedy, R.L.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Conundrum Publishing
Published: 2021-12-06T00:00:00+00:00

16

MASON

Cora looked so peaceful as she slept. She was still wrapped up in the blanket next to me, lying on the roof. We were talking for a bit and it was genuine. But then, after a few minutes of silence, I could hear her breathing change and she was completely out.

I watched the blanket rise and fall as she inhaled and exhaled. After the commotion earlier, I appreciated the way her body was able to shut down and rest. I wondered if mine would do the same when I returned underground at 6 a.m.

I looked down at the watch Charlie had given me. My Apple watch wouldn’t even turn on, so he passed out old sport watches to those of us on security detail who needed one. It was just after midnight.

So far the rest of the night had been quiet. There was a little chatter over the radio about some other vehicles around the farm, but none of them crossed over the property line. I imagined this was how it would be most nights. Perfectly calm and serene, mixed in with bloodshed and discord. I wondered how long it would last. I wondered when people would give up trying to loot and steal. I wondered when people would turn and be out scouring for food and shelter. I wondered how many people would make it through this entire thing.

I looked over at Cora. I was an idiot for almost kissing her earlier. After everything that had happened tonight — the shootout — her saving my ass — it would’ve been a disaster to change the dynamic here. Charlie was very clear. I was to stay away from her at all costs. I gave him my word. Surely that meant more than whatever I was feeling at the moment.

Her skin looked soft. Her lips looked perfect, and I regretted how quickly our first kiss ended. I couldn’t even remember what she felt like, it happened so fast.

Get it together, Mason.

I nudged her awake, knowing the only solution to this problem was to get her out of here. I couldn’t spend the night like this, watching her sleep, trying everything in my power to stop wishing this night had ended differently. She had to go before I lost my willpower.

“Wake up,” I said, nudging her again.

She finally stirred, looking confused at first as she opened her eyes, but then she smiled once she realized she was still on the roof. I was coming to hate that smile. Worse, I was hating the way I wanted to be the cause of it. This was stupid.

“You have to go back. It’s after midnight. Charlie signed off an hour ago, so he should be well asleep by now. It’s a good time to go.”

“You feel warm. I kind of want to sleep out here.” She half-smiled, like she was still a little delirious from being woken up.

Trust me, I’d love for you to sleep here all night, too.

I had to stop those thoughts. They would ruin everything, and I knew it.

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