I wanted to bury myself alive.
Truly—dig a hole with my bare hands, crawl into it, and cover myself with dirt until the world forgot I ever existed.
Because when I opened my eyes that morning… I found myself curled up in Cassel's arms like a helpless infant.
My face was pressed against his chest, his scent woven into every breath I took, and his arms were wrapped around me so securely it felt as if he had sworn to protect me in his sleep.
I nearly stopped breathing from the sheer humiliation.
My brain short-circuited. My body froze. And my dignity? It evaporated into the air like smoke.
I couldn't even look at the others in the car. My burning face stayed buried against Cassel's shirt, my hands shaking as I tried to process what in God's name was happening.
I knew—I knew—we were supposed to head out on a long-term mission this morning. A serious one.
One that required preparation, alertness, and responsibility.
