Edward's PoV:
Fuck! Why the hell did I tell her that? Now she feels uncomfortable with me.
As soon as the words slipped through my lips, I saw each emotion play out across her face, first disbelief, then confusion.
She didn't believe me, and I could feel disappointment begin to bloom within my best as she shrugged off my words.
My mind reeled as she slowly led me towards the rocks that were propped within the river, she walked steadily on the river bank, occasionally sighing in content as she looked around the thick trees, and plants.
"How much further into the woods is the tribe located?" I asked after we crossed over the small brooke.
She sighed, looking around for a moment, and took out her compass before answering. " Since we just passed the small brooke, we are about to start heading northeast towards the bigger river, once we pass that river, then five or so miles in, it should be located past a large boulder and some camu camu and passion fruit trees." She replied, blowing a raspberry as she began moving in a different direction.
I silently followed her as she led the way, my eyes flickering up toward the sky, noticing that it was slightly overhead.
She sighed, stopping for a drink of water before looking back at me. " How are you doing back there?" She asked, slightly breathless.
I nod in response, placing my hand on her shoulder as she began to walk again . "Maybe we should stop here and grab a bite to eat before continuing. It's already half past twelve. If we are going to continue walking, we need to have some energy to do so. Let's eat here." I suggested, gesturing towards the small boulders that were propped near the river.
I silently followed her, my eyes scanning our surroundings and looking for anything suspicious, any sign of danger.
We had just jumped past the river, I noticed the sudden quietness that fell around us, not even the sound of the river flowing could be heard after we walked deeper into the foliage.
Suddenly the sound of something cracking and falling was heard.
I quickly pushed Bella out of the way, cringing in response when I heard the air leave her in a strained 'oomph'.
"Are you alright?" I asked as she shook her head slowly, her eyes closed tightly .
"Hm?" She replied.
"Bella? Bella, are you alright?" I ask, checking to make sure she didn't have any type of injury.
Though I did see here back connect harshly into the fruit tree's jagged bark. I briefly wondered if she cut herself on it when I shoved her out of the way of the trap that was triggered when we walked past deeper into the foliage.
Her eyes suddenly flicked up to my lips, and I couldn't keep mine from flicking down to her full, luscious pink lips. Without giving it a second thought I lower my lips to hers, pressing them lightly to hers. I can feel the atmosphere change between us just as it had last night.
The kiss began to deepen, and I had to stop it before something happened that we'd both regret.
I decided that we covered enough ground today, and decided to head back to the motel just after five thirty.
When we began making our way back, I realized Bella began to stumble more and more as we walked back. Her face looked slightly clammy and pallid, as we slowly began making our way back.
I knew something was wrong when she began to walk stiffly, and would touch her back every now and then. When we reached the river once more, I moved my satchel a bit and looked at her. "I'm only going to ask this once. I want you to tell me the truth. Are you hurt?"
She swallowed thickly, wiping the sweat that dewed one her forehead and nape of her neck. "Yes." She whispered.
"Where does it hurt?" I asked stepping around her, to lift up her shirt once to be sidestepped and stopped by a flick of her small wrist.
"It's just below my lower back. I'll be fine. As soon as we get back to the motel, I'll let you check it out, we have to get out of here...now...Someone has been tracking us since we crossed the second river bank. They used rope so I know it's not one of the tribes, since they usually use vines or tree roots." She whispered to me, urgently.
I looked at her and back the way we had just walked back from, "How do you know for sure?" I whispered, tensely.
"Edward, I can feel someone else's presence here. I know because I have a sixth sense about these things." She whispered urgently.
I nod, and don't think twice before I pick her up and throw her onto my back. She is light compared to the tactical backpacks we used to carry on the fifty mile hikes we used to endure.
I feel her wrap her arms around my neck and her toned legs around my waist tightly.
"You better hang on tight, spider monkey." I mutter as I quickly fling myself onto the boulders we used to cross earlier.
Causing her to giggle slightly, as I began to make the five mile hike to the small brooke in no time, feeling Bella's breath on my neck as I trot forward, using the small rocks that stick out of the water to stabilize myself as I hop across.
it's about half a mile to reach the road, as I do I can feel my muscles begin to protest as I slowly make my way toward the car and retrieve our bags.
I ignore Falvio's questioning gaze as I walk past him towards the direction of our room.
When I reach the door, Bella reaches over my shoulder to unlock the door and push it open.
"My, my soldier, I've never seen a man move quite so fast. I take it you're used to these types of situations?" She asks, impressed.
"It's part of the job description, ma'am. Among other things…" I reply cryptically as I walk over to the window, scanning all the shadows and foliage once more for what I missed earlier.
"You're not going to find them if you're looking for the obvious. They're already in the hotel. Checked in right after we did. Have been following us since we got here." She says, causing a chill to run up my spine as she spoke.
"How could you possibly- " I ask, staring at her surprised.
Only to find her smirking at me in response.