[AUTHOR'S NOTE: THANKS TO SUPER BETA READER JDRAGONFIRE29 FOR HELPING ME TACKLE THOSE PESKY GRAMMAR ISSUES.]
Chapter 7 – Day 5
Nikita woke up, clear headed for the first time in five days, after all the sedatives she's been given had finally worn off. She stretched gingerly taking note that pain from various aches and bruises were minor. She pulled back the sleeping bag cover and checked her wound. Michael had placed a clean bandage on the wound while she slept and it was healing nicely, clear of infection.
She looked around the tent to get her bearing and noticed the brightness from the sunlight outside, indicating how late in the day it was. She unzipped the tent to step outside and took a look around. The sun was high in the sky, denoting that she had slept for a long time. There was a cheerful fire burning in the camp fire with a water pot boiling on top of it.
She glanced around, but couldn't find Michael. His bike was still there so he was still around. She could hear the sound of a river nearby, but could hear no other noise, not even vehicular traffic. She recalled traveling on a dirt road for a long stretch before Michael had stopped for the night.
The sound of a twig snapping caught her attention and she glanced toward the noise. Michael appeared in the clearing with an armful of firewood. He scanned her intently for a moment, most likely checking to see if she should be on her feet.
As if answering her speculation, Michael said softly: "You should be resting."
"I was just looking for you."
"I'm heating up some water, if you want to wash up."
She'd kill for a shower right now, but since they were in the middle of the woods, this will have to do. She smiled in thanks as she answered: "Yes, I'd love that."
Michael mixed the hot water on the fire with some cold water in the bucket and placed it in the tent. He dug out a clean set of clothes, soap and towel and handed it to her. "Sorry, I didn't have much time to grab your things."
She leaned in and kissed him quickly in thanks and replied: "Don't be." She ducked into the tent and did her best to clean up. She emerged a few minutes later, feeling more refreshed, but extremely tired from that little bit of activity.
Michael was boiling more water and glanced up when she reemerged. "I can wash your hair if you like."
If she had more energy, she would have jumped on him in thanks for his offer. She replied enthusiastically: "Yes please!"
He smiled slightly at her eagerness and pointed at a blanket spread on the ground. "I'm going to go get more water."
She nodded in response as he retrieved the water bucket from the tent and disappeared from view toward the sound of the nearby river. She didn't have to wait long before he returned. He mixed in hot water again and took a seat on a log behind her.
She leaned back in delight and Michael gently washed her hair and massaged her scalp. She couldn't suppress several moans of bliss that escaped from her lips. She could have sworn she heard Michael softly chuckling, but figured she was still suffering from the drugs she's been given.
She watched the flames dance merrily in the camp fire as Michael brushed her hair and worked out the tangles. She leaned back every brush stroke, enjoying Michael's gentle touch. Finally, all the tangles were smoothed and Michael laid down the comb to softly caress her face.
"How long before we have to get back?"
"I requested the time off Operations promised us. We have 10 more days."
She tilted her head back to look up at the man she loved, loved with such intensity that it sometimes scared her. He met her gaze calmly with no expectations or demands. She brushed his beloved hand against her cheek and rubbed against it before turning her head and kissed it. They both turned their gaze back to the camp fire, silently appreciating this time alone, away from Section.