Grayson

Chapter Fifty Three

Emma~

Silas spared us.

It was the second time that Silas had saved her and Emma didn't understand why. Her mind was spinning as she and Grayson ran through the jungle toward the border that held their salvation.

Grayson's steps were strong and his grip on her hand was tight as if he'd lose her if he let go.

She could feel the desperation radiating off of his body. It was obvious that he was well equipped for situations like this, but his fear for Emma's safety was overpowering him. Barely able to keep up with his pace, Emma kept moving forward, her eyes fixated on Grayson's shoulders.

Occasionally he'd slow them and swivel his head, obviously hearing or seeing something that she did not.

Every step they took added to tension in his muscles. He was trying to hide it, but Grayson was terrified. If he had been alone, Emma imagined that he would be confident and machine-like, but he wasn't alone. He wasn't able to rely on his skills and expertise because he had Emma in tow. She was clumsy and loud, unaware of the sounds to listen for or the warning signs to watch for.

This is all my fault.

Letting out a low sniffle as they pushed forward through the branches and greenery, Emma felt Grayson stall. He looked down at her over his shoulder assessing her from head to toe with a quick scan of his eyes.

"You okay baby?"

"I'm okay. I'm sorry. I'm good." Emma nodded trying to convince herself that the words coming out of her mouth were true.

Grayson looked over the top of Emma's head, surveying the area around them before he spoke again.

"Let's take a break. Just for a second."

"Okay."

Emma lowered herself down to a seated position, ready to lean against a tree for some relief.

The feeling of Grayson's arms around her settled her soul and caused her to let out a deep sigh.

"Come here." Grayson said in a voice barely over a whisper as he hoisted her into his arms.

"We're going to be okay, wanna know why?" He asked against her hair.

"Why?"

"Because we're together."

Sniffling again, Emma fought back tears and pressed herself against Grayson. She inhaled his scent deeply and re-centered her mind and heart.

We're going to be okay.

"Talk to me." Grayson begged.

Lifting her head from Grayson's chest, she looked up at his handsome face that was covered in smudged paint. Deep green and black colors smeared across his skin.

"I'm afraid." Emma admitted softly.

"That's normal. It would be weird if you weren't."

His strong arms wrapped around her tightly, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you Em." Grayson's voice was a mixture of comfort and anger.

"I know that." Emma lifted her chin and pressed her lips against the side of Grayson's neck in a soft kiss.

"I love you so damn much."

Emma opened her mouth to respond with an I love you that came from her soul, but the sound of a man's voice stole Grayson's attention immediately. He rolled with Emma in his arms to shield her body as the rebel soldier charged, firing off two shots that made Emma's ears ring.