The sun was setting and night would soon come. While driving, the car ended up with a flat tire. Joel stopped the vehicle and hurried out to check.

- Fuck! - exclaimed Joel, frustrated.

Anna remained quiet and apprehensive, watching Joel's every move. She knew he wasn't joking. He looked around, thinking of a calculated solution.

- We can't spend the night here, we're too exposed... Let's find shelter in the forest - said Joel, leaning out of the window.

- What happened? - Anna asked.

- It's punctured - replied Joel, going around the car.

- Are we going to leave it like this? Someone might notice that we've passed this way - asked Anna, getting out of the vehicle.

- Unless you want to push it, you can start now - said Joel, with his characteristic rigid tone.

- Ah... Joel... what's your problem? - Anna said, looking him in the eye.

- You! - Joel replies, grabbing his gun from the car.

Anna was indignant and muttered to herself, looking at the dense forest on the horizon.

- Tonight will be one of the coldest nights of the month, you know that? - she said.

- Don't worry about it - replied Joel.

Before long, they grabbed what was left: their individual suitcases with sleeping bags, some food and a separate blanket.

Along the way, Joel remained alert to the danger, carefully observing the forest. Anna was distracted, thinking about him and how attracted she felt, even though Joel made a point of showing contempt and indifference. She felt that he had more to offer than just that.

The cold became more and more evident, while golden and orange tones painted the sky with the setting sun. The two of them were already immersed in the forest when they heard the sound of breaking branches.

Joel immediately positioned himself defensively, pointing his gun, and looked at Anna, transmitting with his dark eyes the order for her to keep quiet. Anna stood motionless, fear etched on her face. Unlike Joel, with his rigid and attentive posture, it was possible to see the tense muscles holding the gun.

Anna held her breath, staring at him. Fear accelerated her heart, paralyzing her, but it was a different kind of fear.

The noise was getting closer, and Joel readied the trigger, taking aim, but soon a wild rabbit appeared that hadn't noticed them.

- Ah... I thought... - said Anna, relieved, sighing and lowering her head.

- It's going to be like this for a long time - interrupted Joel sarcastically, approaching her.

- Please, Joel, don't bother me with your comments - replied Anna, still in a hurry.

- It's you who bothers me, you waste of time. And if you're reacting like that because of a rabbit, I think you'd better start thinking - said Joel in a rude tone, raising his voice.

- If it bothers you so much, then go without me! And it wasn't for a rabbit, Joel, I was afraid for you! - Anna answered quickly, her eyes fixed on his.

He hadn't expected that answer. On the outside, Joel didn't show it, but on the inside he was somewhat pleased to hear it. Now he realized that he had been too rough with Anna, knowing how sensitive she was. Joel's eyes locked onto Anna's, coming dangerously close. Slowly, he shifted his gaze to Anna's moist lips.

She felt her face flush and realized that she had let what she really felt slip out.

- Someone needs to make sure you're both safe. If something happens to you, we won't be able to complete what we've been asked to do - Anna said hastily, trying to make amends.

Joel's gaze became colder and deeper. For the first time, he felt betrayed by his own emotions. He had hoped for a different outcome, but now he felt that he had rushed into believing that she might see it differently.

- Don't worry about that either - Joel replied, looking away as he walked away.

Anna closed her eyes, expressing regret and sadness. She saw the disappointment on Joel's face. She wanted to give herself to him, to feel his skin against hers, to taste the lips that had almost touched hers again. But something made her say that, perhaps not to show her affection for him, since he was insensitive.

Now they were both silent, as they used to be. Joel led the way, and Anna just followed.

Minutes passed...

- We'll stay here. The rocks will protect us from the wind. It will be dark soon, we don't have any more time - Joel says.

They found a small rock shelter, similar to a cave, but not as protected. Anna put her things on the ground and realized that the blanket she had brought was lost.

- No... The blanket, I lost it... - Anna lamented to Joel.

- It won't make any difference, since only one person would use it. It looks like someone will have a colder night - replied Joel.

Anna rolled her eyes, looking repeatedly at Joel's gun.

- Don't get any ideas - he said.

- I wouldn't even know how to hold it properly, so don't worry - she replied.

- Have something to eat. I'm going to look around the area for a few minutes. I need to make sure we're safe - said Joel, looking around.

- But... it's going to get dark... - replied Anna.

- Not dark enough. Five minutes and I'll be back - interrupted Joel, walking away.

Anna began to eat and, as time went by, she fell asleep, sitting on an old log on the ground.

Twelve minutes passed and Joel returned. The moon was now illuminating a large part of the forest. He saw Anna, who looked really beautiful. Her loose hair helped to cover some of the cold, but she looked sleepy. Joel realized that she wasn't so weak that she wasn't alert in his absence, or perhaps she was too confident in his presence. Again, his heart melted for her. She was so beautiful and seductive, her body seemed sculpted. It all stirred Joel, he wanted her.

- Tomorrow we'll get up early, let's rest - said Joel, approaching Anna.

- Hmm, I thought you weren't coming back - she whispered and then nodded slightly, agreeing with him.

Each of them snuggled into their sleeping bag, standing a few meters away from each other. Joel's gun remained close to him. Anna felt nervous about his presence, but she was exhausted after a long day and soon fell asleep. Unlike Joel, who wasn't used to sleeping, as he was always on the alert. His gaze couldn't tear itself away from Anna.

As time passed, Joel lost himself in his thoughts and fell asleep too.

--

It was 4 a.m. and the cold was relentless. The bags weren't enough to protect them from the freezing air. Anna was shivering, her skin now pale and her lips dry and violet. Sleep was impossible. Joel, sensing Anna's distress, became worried.

- Anna...? - he whispered.

- I... I can't... Oh, Joel, I'm so cold... - Anna spoke softly, shivering and opening her eyes tearfully to Joel.

He knew he had to do something for her. So he approached Anna.

- Anna... look at me - Joel said with concern, gently holding her face with one hand.

Anna held Joel's hand, looking into his gentle eyes, which were brimming with tears.

- You have to trust me - Joel nodded.

He positioned himself on the sack, leaning against the rock and brought Anna to lie on his body and chest. At that moment, Joel just wanted to warm Anna up, regardless of whether there was another way. Having her lying on top of him exhilarated him. He covered the rest of the opening of the bag over them.

Anna had never been so close to him. Joel could feel her skin cool, but still soft and fragile. Anna's face settled into his neck. She was wearing a white strappy blouse, no bra, and her breasts showed nipples stiffened by the cold, rubbing against Joel's chest. The night was freezing, but Joel's body heat seemed to increase by the second. His deep, dark eyes couldn't look away from that closeness.

Soon, Anna began to warm up a little more, but still not enough. She was very sensitive in every way, and the cold made her squirm. Without Joel's help, she probably wouldn't have survived that freezing night. She raised her face to look at him.

- Joel... - she let out an icy moan. Cold air comes out of her lips.

Before he can react, Anna slides her hands down his shirt, revealing his body and feeling his breath. Her cold hands make Joel shiver, while his own body seems warmer in comparison. Unable to resist what is happening, he lets himself go. Anna's gaze is shy but extremely seductive, and adrenaline rushes through both their bodies. Although she looks away, their faces remain intimately close.

- Joel... I'm going to take my top off. I need to feel your warm skin against mine. Together, we'll warm up faster. Please help me - whispers Anna in a shy, cold voice, close to Joel's ear.

He's out of breath. Joel has always maintained a rigid posture, like an unbreakable man, but now he completely loses control. He simply can't believe the effect Anna has had on him.

With seductive slowness, she removes the garment, her body shivering from the cold. Joel watches her intensely, his eyes fixed on her. However, she avoids meeting his gaze and shelters herself inside his shirt, allowing their bodies to touch directly. Joel's shirt now wraps around them, embracing them both. Anna's face finds a perfect space in the width of the shirt, settling under Joel's neck.

Anna felt extremely shy, unsure of what to do next. Her movements were guided by the impulse to survive, but the desire for Joel also echoed in her ears. The heat emanating from Joel's body at that moment was so intense that, in a matter of seconds, it began to warm Anna. Finally, she was starting to feel better.

The atmosphere between them became more and more intense, their breaths were loud and synchronized. Joel felt that he would soon lose what control he had left, consumed by the fire burning inside him. His hands desperately craved Anna's touch, as if they couldn't wait another second.

- I'm sorry, Joel... - Anna murmured, her lips brushing softly against his neck.

A wave of goose bumps runs through Joel's body, and he is sure that soon Anna will be completely surrendered to him.

Carefully, he removes his shirt, lifting it gently, without hurting Anna. He wanted to be completely at ease with her, as the cold wouldn't be a problem when he could offer her maximum warmth and pleasure at that moment. She supports herself on Joel so as not to fall, clutching his warm arms and feeling the rigidity of his muscles as her breasts become more exposed.

In a matter of moments, Joel has a firm grip on Anna's head from behind at the nape of her neck, his fingers entwined in the fine strands of her hair. Their gazes meet, revealing the burning flame inside them. Anna, flushed, exposes her beautiful breasts, while Joel is elated. It was too late to turn back. Most of the time, they hated each other, but the desire to give themselves to each other was incendiary.

- Don't apologize... - he murmurs, as his hand trails gently from her neck to her face.

She feels the obvious attraction between them.

In a hurry, Joel leans towards Anna's lips, his gaze uncontrolled. He's strong and protective, his body big enough to wrap around Anna's, and she knows he's the kind of man who can give her maximum pleasure. Anna has always had to deal with strong but unscrupulous men who harassed her and could hurt her. She feared what these men might do, because she didn't know how to defend herself. Now, she was about to be dominated by Joel, who was even stronger and unbreakable, the kind of man she had always wanted, capable of surpassing any of the others. She longed to see Joel delivered, mad with desire to have her.

The once icy atmosphere had now turned to fire.

Joel kisses Anna, their tongues entwined in intense, wet movements. She moves, sitting between Joel's legs, and they are both on fire. He breaks off the kiss, a thin thread of saliva running between them in an extremely sensual way.

- I want you! - Joel says breathlessly.

- I've been yours since the moment you wanted me - Anna replies, wanting him intensely.

Joel feels extremely aroused, the stiffness and volume between his pants growing more and more. Anna is so sensitive and beautiful, and he feels like a wolf about to devour its prey.

He starts kissing her neck, while his hands slide down her hips and then gently up Anna's defined belly.

She feels his erection, their bodies burning with sexual tension.

- Oh, Joel... - she moans, lifting her head back.

He firmly grips the area between Anna's back and neck, his hands decisive. Leaning down gently, he takes Anna with him. As they descend, Joel's lips trace a path down Anna's body, trailing from her top to her breasts. Joel's hair brushes softly against her face as it descends to her breasts.

She finds herself under Joel's shirt, which is lying on the floor beside her.

Joel begins to kiss Anna's stiff nipples, and she can't help herself. Her body writhes in response, accompanied by short moans. Joel is skillful and confident in his actions. Anna's eyes shine under the moonlight that penetrates between the rocks, her seductive expressions have a touch of innocence. She slides her hands through Joel's hair, losing herself in the moment.

- I hate you for wanting you so much - Joel says, struggling to contain himself.

He begins to quickly remove Anna's pants, lifting her legs in the air so that they remain crossed, naked, as they gently fall down.

She was wearing red lace with a bow. Joel's gaze burned like a consuming fire, his pulse audible.

He leans over, starting to unfasten his pants, the bulge making Anna horny. Her eyes roamed over Joel's half-naked body, his dark skin perfectly matching his broad shoulders and strong arms.

Joel undresses completely and advances towards Anna. She has barely had time to catch her breath and he is already on her body again, kissing the inside of her thighs and moving up to her face, tasting her moist lips. Anna is unresponsive as Joel takes control of the situation.

- Joel... - she murmurs, trembling over his lips. Her legs wrap around his hips, feeling how hard he is.

- I want to feel you - she whispers, expressing her desires.

Joel doesn't hesitate, removing Anna's lace, unable to hold back for another second. He penetrates her, keeping his eyes fixed on her fully exposed body. Anna moans erotically and loudly, making Joel feel like a lucky man, having everything she'd hoped for.

He is fascinated, for she is truly a woman out of the ordinary, of extraordinary beauty. He continues his movements, speeding up the pace, while passionately kissing Anna.

- Fuck, Anna... you're so wet - Joel whispers in a rigid voice.

She squeezes Joel's arms, trying to contain the overwhelming pleasure she's receiving. As Joel gasps, realizing how tight Anna is, they move in pleasurable friction, completely surrendering to the ecstasy of the moment.

Anna takes the initiative and starts caressing her breasts, leaving Joel weak. He reduces the intensity of his movements, but Anna prolongs them, preventing him from holding back.

A subtle moan escapes Joel's lips as he feels Anna's skin under his touch.

- Don't tease me - Joel says with a hard, deep look in Anna's eyes.

Their bodies are now covered in sweat, the heat emanating from their fused skins. The cold can't penetrate the warm air that surrounds them. Joel places Anna's legs on his shoulders, and the penetration becomes deeper, taking them to a new level of intense pleasure.

- Ah, Joel... - she moans uncontrollably.

Joel's hand runs along Anna's neck, squeezing it gently. Her body begins to twitch as she slides her hands down his abdomen, squeezing him lightly. Then Joel abruptly grabs Anna's wrist with his other hand, without measuring his strength. However, she only feels the pleasure of the moment and is about to collapse.

- Ahh, Joel, I... I can't take it anymore... - she continues to moan.

Anna's eyes shine, her pleasure reaching its climax. They stare at each other intensely at this point, and Anna feels intimidated by Joel's penetrating gaze.

He watches her deliriously, completely lost in the moment.

Soon after, Joel reaches orgasm, his facial expressions clearly revealing his pleasure. He falls onto Anna's chest, resting his arms on the floor. His breathing is rapid, while Anna's body trembles slightly, still in ecstasy from the pleasure they have experienced together.

Joel's weight is distributed evenly over her arms, keeping their bodies in contact, but without overloading Anna.

They are both slumped over, their breathing gradually calming down, and they have finally consummated their desire.

Now their gazes are full of apprehension, fearful of meeting again. They both have time to recover from the ecstasy they have shared.

- Shit! - Joel lies under Anna, motionless, processing what has just happened.

- It was me who provoked the situation... it was my fault - Anna clarifies, acknowledging her part in it.

She continues.

- You've warmed me up, I feel good. - she says, in a tone of confession.

Joel stands up, interrupting what he was about to say, and looks at Anna's wrist marked by her hands.

Anna follows Joel's gaze and notices her wrist marked by his strength.

- I... I don't regret it, Joel - she says, looking deeply into his eyes.

Joel's eyes show affection, but also a certain coldness, intimidating Anna. He gets up hastily.

- I'll be right back, I have to... I have to go - Joel says, putting on his underwear and grabbing his gun, heading into the forest until he disappears from view.

Anna covers herself with Joel's shirt and lets him go.

He walks through the forest, shirtless, lost in thought, without a specific destination, just reflecting on what has happened. He is now certain of his feelings for her and feels vulnerable for loving someone with the conviction that he will never stop protecting her.

He feels a tightness in his chest, he's been taken by surprise, he's fallen even more in love than he already was and he's reluctant to accept this fact.

The sky begins to lighten with the arrival of dawn.

Meanwhile, Anna is getting dressed.

She's worried about Joel, but at the same time she feels good, and she can still taste Joel on her lips.

Joel finally returns and goes to meet Anna.

- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I won't do it again - Joel says, expressing his regret.

- Joel! Stop acting like you made a mistake! I did mean it, admit it too! - she replies, staring at him intensely.

- You don't understand... - he says, becoming more intense.

- What's wrong with you? Why do you always act like this? I'm tired of it! What don't I understand? - Anna says, raising her voice and challenging Joel.

- I'm in love with you! And I can't! - Joel reveals, also raising his voice.

A moment of silence remains.

- I get it, I'm a problem... - Anna whispers sadly.

She picks up her things and starts to walk away.

- Where are you going? - Joel asks, stopping her.

- Joel, I'm in love too, I can't hide it any longer. And you know it! You took advantage of it tonight and you could every night after that. But now let me go - she says, staring at Joel.

Joel just lets go of Anna, struck by her words.

She hurries off through the forest.

Joel clenched his fist tightly, feeling a mixture of anger and worry come over him. As he watched Anna disappear into the forest, the weight of guilt began to weigh on his shoulders. He knew that he had let pride come between him and the person he loved.

As Anna makes her way through the forest, her worries and thoughts are interrupted by the sound of male voices in the distance. She instinctively slows down.

- Hey, look what we've got here! - an unknown man says to two others who are following him.

- Ah, it seems we have a lost beauty here. Lucky us, Michael! - replies Tyler, the second man.

- Look at those frightened eyes - replied the third man, Ethan.

Anna feels a chill run through her body as she watches the scene unfold.

The men's eyes fix on Anna as soon as they see her. Their gazes roam over her body, making her uncomfortable and vulnerable. Dismissive comments are whispered between them, emphasizing how beautiful and attractive they find her.

- Hello, sweetie. You seem to have got lost in the wrong place - says Ethan.

- How lucky we are to have such a beauty so close by. I think we can have some fun, don't you? - asks Michael.

Anna feels her heart racing as fear begins to take hold of her. Anna knows she's in a dangerous situation.

- Please leave me alone. I don't want any trouble - Anna replies in a trembling voice.

The men approach Anna with their menacing presence. They continue to make lewd comments, making it clear that their intentions are not good.

Meanwhile, Joel pulls himself together by grabbing his shirt, ready to bring Anna back. Adrenaline pulsed through his veins as he set off through the forest, following the tracks left by Anna. His heart was pounding in his chest, a mixture of fear and determination. He loved Anna, but the scars of the past had turned him into a man who struggled to show any emotion.

Advancing through the dense forest, Joel noticed a change in the air. The atmosphere seemed charged with danger. And then he heard distant voices. Three men. They had found Anna.

Joel's fists clenched even tighter as he moved cautiously towards the sound. He knew he had to act quickly to protect the woman he loved even if his own confused emotions tormented him. He would never admit it out loud, but Anna was his anchor in a desolate world, and he would do anything to keep her safe.

Anna tries to stay calm, even though panic is spreading inside her.

- Oh, don't be shy. We just want to have some fun with you - says Ethan.

- That's right, you have nothing to be afraid of - replies Michael.

Anna looks around, searching for an escape route, but finds herself trapped between the three men.

- I don't want any trouble with you. Please let me go - she replies.

The men laugh wickedly, ignoring Anna's plea.

- Listen to this girl playing innocent. We know exactly what we want - Tyler laughs.

- Don't worry, sweetie. We'll take care of you. It'll be fun - Ethan concludes.

Michael was armed with a pistol, Tyler held a sharp knife and Ethan was unarmed, but his intimidating attitude was evident.

The situation became increasingly tense.

When Joel finally spotted the clearing where Anna was cornered by the three assailants, an intense fury burned in his eyes.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by quick, firm footsteps. It was Joel, emerging from the shadows with his gun in hand. His face expressed fierce determination as he saw the situation Anna was in.

The men turned to face Joel, surprised and now facing an imminent threat.

- She's with me! - Joel exclaimed in a deep voice, pointing his gun at the attackers.

Anna felt a mixture of relief and gratitude to see Joel there, ready to protect her. The men's gazes oscillated between fear and anger at Joel's intervention.

- Ah, we have a hero here? Do you think you can stop us? - teased Michael, defiantly.

- I'm not afraid of you - replied Joel, his voice firm and fearless. If you don't want to regret it, I suggest you get away from her now! - he finished.

Tension hung in the air as everyone remained motionless, analyzing each other. Joel was ready to act in Anna's defense, protecting her at all costs.

The men exchanged nervous glances, realizing that perhaps they had underestimated the danger they were facing.

The situation was about to unfold, and Anna felt her heart racing. She trusted Joel completely and knew that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe.

Joel kept his sights fixed on Michael, pulled the trigger and a single bullet tore through his assailant's chest, knocking him out instantly. Michael's body fell heavily to the ground, his expression of contempt replaced by sudden death.

Tyler, the knife-wielder, witnessed Joel's swift and deadly action. Seized by rage and the desire to avenge his companion, he advanced with ferocity towards Joel, wielding his melee weapon with violence.

Joel took aim and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed at the crucial moment. A brief moment of frustration flashed through Joel's eyes as he desperately tried to disengage the gun. Meanwhile, Tyler advanced with his knife towards Joel, seizing the opportunity.

With agile and calculated movements, he disarmed Tyler and retaliated with ferocity. Joel unleashed powerful blows, inflicting fatal wounds on Tyler, who fell to the ground, lifeless.

Meanwhile, Ethan took advantage of the confusion and fled with Anna, taking Michael's gun with him.

With skill and determination, he finally managed to unholster his gun and gave chase.

The distance between Joel and Ethan was rapidly diminishing. Ethan, realizing he was being caught, grabbed Anna tighter, threatening to hurt her. Anna struggled desperately to free herself and begged.

Joel was undeterred by Ethan's threats. His expression hardened even more, and he pushed forward with determination. He knew that time was running out and that he had to act quickly to save Anna.

The moment Joel approached, Ethan desperately wounded Anna by biting her cheek. A cry of pain escaped Anna's lips, increasing Joel's fury. With a swift and relentless movement, Joel attacked Ethan, not firing so as not to injure Anna who was glued to Ethan. Joel attacked, causing him to drop Michael's gun.

Now unarmed and in a vulnerable position, Ethan realized the extent of his impending defeat. Joel didn't hesitate and advanced with fury, landing deadly blows on Ethan. Each blow was a manifestation of Joel's revenge, a response to the violence Ethan had inflicted on Anna.

Ethan fell to the ground, lifeless, while Joel, covered in blood and exhausted, stayed by Anna's side.

He turned his gaze to Anna, who was staring at him with wide eyes and tears streaming down her face. He approached her slowly, his heart still racing. The rigidity on his face began to fade, giving way to an expression of genuine concern.

- Are you all right? - he asked in a hoarse voice.

Anna nodded, unable to articulate any words. She felt relieved to see Joel by her side, protecting her from the dangers that the cruel world imposed on them.

But she also felt the pain of the unspoken words and emotional barriers that Joel had built around her.

Joel reached out a trembling hand to caress Anna's face, his eyes conveying a mixture of regret and love. He wanted to say so many things, but the words seemed to escape him.

Then, with a surge of courage, Anna wrapped her arms around Joel, bringing him into her comforting embrace. She felt Joel's body tense at first, but slowly he relaxed, allowing himself to sink into that moment of vulnerability.

In silence, they looked into each other's eyes, letting their emotions communicate beyond words. Anna could see the pain and fear that Joel carried with him, but she could also feel the love and connection that he held so deeply.

With a sigh, Joel finally found the courage to speak. His voice came out a little shaky, but full of sincerity.

- I... I'm sorry, Anna - he murmured, his words almost a whisper.

- I'm not good at this... at showing how I feel. But you... you're important to me, more than I can admit - he said.

Tears flowed freely from Anna's eyes. She could feel the vulnerability in his voice, the effort he was making to open up emotionally.

- I want to be by your side, Joel. - Anna replied.

Anna's words seemed to disarm all of Joel's defenses. He let himself sink even deeper into her embrace, allowing himself to be vulnerable and accept the love she offered.

In that moment, the world around them disappeared. The dark past, the emotional scars, everything became insignificant. Joel and Anna were there, together, finding comfort and support in each other.

With tenderness and care, Joel leaned in to kiss Anna's lips. It was a kiss full of restrained emotion, an act of surrender.

- Don't do that again, I thought I was going to lose her - Joel whispered.

- hmm - Anna whispers, consenting.

He looked around. Although he wasn't proud of having taken lives, he knew he had to ensure Anna's safety and his own survival. He approached the bodies and began to rummage through what they were carrying.

With weapons in hand, Joel and Anna resumed their journey, walking through the barren and dangerous terrain. Anna kept close to Joel, confident in his strength and ability to protect her.

As they walked on, Joel remained vigilant, carefully observing his surroundings for possible threats. The post-apocalyptic world was unforgiving, full of unknown dangers around every corner.

As they advanced, Joel and Anna found traces of other survivors: marks of temporary camps, abandoned supplies and signs of struggle. With each discovery, they were reminded of the cruelty of the world in which they were immersed.

The connection between them grew stronger with each obstacle overcome, creating a bond of trust and protection.