When I wake up, Chase is propped up on an elbow looking at me. His eyes so turbulent I might be staring at the sky.
Ashley sits alone beyond him, not moving, fist folded against his mouth. Doc and Jonas nap, hats over their faces, rucksacks behind their heads.
“I invited Ashley to come back with us to the Enclave,” I say.
Chase glances at him, chewing the inside of his lip. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
I consider the muscle tightening against his jaw.
“I think he needs it,” I say.
“What about Truly?”
“I don’t think now is the time to tell her.”
“Was he always like that?” Chase asks, tilting his head in Ashley’s direction.
“Not the few days I knew him before.”
“Being held prisoner can really mess some people up.”
“He’ll be fine,” I say. “We’ll keep an eye on him.” And then I smile.
“What?”
“I do,” he says. “Now Lauren—I love her, too, but she’s a pain in the ass.”
“Yes, she can be.”
He goes quiet a moment, toying with a tendril of my hair, and then says, “You know, I had the craziest crash dream a few hours ago.”
“Oh really.”
He looks alive, more comfortable in his own skin than he’s seemed since I met him. It’s been cool and not only a little sexy to see him in his element. I’ve even made a bet with myself that he’s considering reenlisting.
“I could’ve sworn you were saying you loved me.”
I feel my lips curve into a smile.
“You know, I was thinking . . .”
“Mm-hmm?” I say, brows raised, wondering if I’m about to win a bet with myself. Thinking I should have put money on it, if only on principle.
“Would you two get a room already?” Jonas mutters from beneath his hat.
Yantiss leans into the room. “Getting dark,” he says. “Gear up.”