Uncharted(42)

“Ian… Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling this way? I had no idea.” My stomach flips at the thought of him being in so much pain. I reach out, grab his hand, and give it a tight squeeze. “You have to know, it’s not true. You’re not a burden. You’re just about the only good thing on this entire island.”

His eyes drift over my shoulder to Beck, where he sits on the crest of the beach attempting to lash together a fishing trap using sticks and vines. I’m not sure whether he’s within earshot. I don’t care, at the moment — I’m too focused on Ian.

His lips twitch when he takes in the sight of my expression. “That look on your face right now? That’s exactly why I prefer to joke and laugh. Talking about this stuff isn’t nearly as fun.”

“Maybe. But your health is more important.” I place the back of my hand against his forehead to check his temperature. “You may be running a low-grade fever. You feel a little warm.”

“We’re in the tropics.”

“Thank you, Captain Obvious.” I roll my eyes and reach for his bandages. “Now, let’s have a look at the leg.”

“Not right now,” he says, pulling away. “I’ve just gotten myself into a comfortable position.”

“Fine. But we’re changing those dressings before you fall asleep tonight. It’s been two days and in this heat, the longer they stay on, the greater the risk of an infection.”

He nods, a spark of fear flaming in his eyes. For all his wisecracks, I’m sure he’s horrified by everything that’s happened to him… and terrified by the prospect of everything that still could.

“Hey.” I wait until his gaze meets mine. “I don’t think I can manage a margarita, but would you settle for some fresh coconut milk? It’s all the rage here on the island. All the cool kids are drinking it.”

The fear fades from his expression and his dimples return. “All the cool kids, huh?”

I nod gravely.

“Well, then I guess you’d better fetch me one of those coconuts. I have a reputation to maintain, woman!”

Ten minutes later, I find myself balanced precariously on a stack of logs, praying they don’t give out beneath me. I stretch up onto my tiptoes as my fingers dig into the trunk of the palm tree, grappling for purchase against the smooth, ringed bark.

“You are going to fall on your face, and I am going to laugh at you,” Ian calls up to me from his pallet. “There must be a better way to do this, Violet.”

I ignore him, attention focused upward. Come hell or high water, today is the day I will finally get one of those damn coconuts.

“I mean it,” Ian drawls. “Don’t expect sympathy from me when you break your ass.”

I gasp, faux-offended. “After all I’ve done to nurse you back to health…”

“Just looking out for you.”

“I appreciate the concern, but I think I can manage to climb a stupid tree.”

Hell, I’d climb to the moon if it meant getting Ian to drink something with nutritional value.

I lift my right foot and plant it flat against a small wood knot. “If I can leverage myself up, maybe I can make a flying leap and grab one…”

“Who do you think you are, Nastia Liukin?”

My nose wrinkles in confusion. “Who?”

“Olympic Gymnast,” Ian clarifies. “A super hot one, too, so take it as a compliment.”

I snort. “I may not be a gold medalist, but for your information, I was the head flyer of my cheerleading squad. Three-time Northeast Champions. Contenders for the national title.”

“You were a cheerleader?”

“Go Sasquatches!”

“Your mascot was the Sasquatch?” He sounds dubious. “What the hell kind of hick town were you raised in?”

“New Hampshire has a strong affinity for yetis.” I shrug. “Also, winter sports, leaf peeping, Tom Brady, and tax-free purchases. We’re wicked awesome.”

“Remind me never to visit you in this hell dimension you call home.”

“Too bad, my mother would adore you.”

“Oh, wow, bringing me home to meet the parents already? Seems like this relationship is moving a little fast, but…”

I roll my eyes. “In your dreams, pretty boy. Now, hush. I’m going to jump.”

“Did I mention this stunt appears to be a terrible idea? Especially from this vantage point?”

“Don’t get excited — I have shorts on under my dress.”

He sighs heavily.

Eyes locked on the dangling coconuts at the top of the palm, I flex my arm muscles and take a deep breath. It’s now or never.

I choose now.

I’m a half-second from catapulting my frame into the sky when two giant hands wrap around my waist and pluck me from my perch. Lifting me like I weigh no more than a bag of flour, he sets me back on the ground without a word.

“HEY!” I yell as soon as my feet hit the dirt. “What the hell?!”

Beck’s hands drop away instantly, but he doesn’t move out of my space. When I spin around, I find myself nose-to-nose with him. It’s a jarring experience, being this close to those intent eyes.

We stare at each other for a long moment. When I can’t take it anymore, I shatter the silence.