The silence between them got really awkward after he snapped at her. Zeynep felt his words hit her hard in the chest. She tried to keep her feelings in check, but the knot in her throat gave her away. It annoyed her that she cared, even a bit, about how he thought of her. Just two days ago, she didn't even know his name. Just two days ago, she didn't care whether she lived or died. Just two days ago, she wasn't on the run from half the criminal world.
Now, everything felt way too close, way too real, and way too dangerous.
She slowed down and reached out to touch the rough bark of a nearby pine tree, trying to calm herself. The forest buzzed with soft winds, rustling leaves, and distant bird calls, but inside her, there was a storm brewing.
Zayden noticed she was quiet but didn't say a word. He just walked ahead, kicking a small stone along the path, feeling more frustrated with himself than with her. He exhaled through his nose and stayed silent, but inside, he was losing it.
