Page 26 of Undercover Redemption
“And why not?” she shot back, sharper than necessary, fully aware she was poking the bear.
He didn’t react. Didn’t snap. Only glanced at her, assessing, then went back to folding.
“Trench foot. Infection. Fungus.” He paused long enough to add, “Open sores if you’re unlucky.”
She shivered despite herself.
“Dry feet are better,” he finished calmly.
“Fine,” she muttered. “I’m a size nine. But I have no idea what that is in men’s.”
The admission felt strangely intimate, which was ridiculous given the circumstances. She folded her arms, scowling at the ground.Play cool, play cool. I am stronger today than I was yesterday.
“I think we’ve got a spare pair from one of the younger recruits,” he said.
“Younger?” She wrinkled her nose. “That’s vile.”
That got a reaction. His hands stilled for half a second—barely noticeable unless someone was watching closely. Then he resumed packing, jaw tightening enough for her to see it.
“Some of these boys don’t have a choice,” he said evenly. “It’s this or starving. Or watching their families do it.”
The words landed heavier than she expected. Gabriella swallowed, the retort she’d been ready to fire dissolving in her throat.
“Oh. I’m sorry,” she replied back lamely.
“Don’t be. But,” he said raising a finger, “I do recommend being mindful of how you talk around the men. Some know English and may not take kindly to your words.”
She nodded, suddenly wishing the ground to swallow her whole. “Thanks for the warning.”
She watched him finish dismantling the fire, movements smooth and controlled as he hid their evidence.Well, he clearly knows how to survive out here,thinking back to his comment. She wondered if he was in this work because he didn’t have a choice either.
He took the dismantled camp over to the jeep and returned later with black military boots. “Here,” he said as he handed her them over. “See if these fit.”
She put them on and wiggled her toes.“They’re a little big,” she admitted reluctantly, shifting her weight as she tested the borrowed boots, “but they’ll do.”
Mateo nodded once, approval flickering across his face. He crouched without asking, steady hands tightening the laces for her. The simple act felt far too intimate. From this close, she saw the faint scar along his neck, the way the muscles in his shoulders rolled beneath his shirt as he worked. Wide. Solid. Built for endurance.
Devilishly attractive. Annoyingly so.
“Can you eat?” he asked, voice gentler than it had any right to be.
She dragged her eyes away from him, willing herself to breathe. “A whole horse, if you let me.”
That earned her a real laugh—low, surprised, and unguarded. It startled her more than the bug had last night. It felt normal, similar to when they would walk the beaches together. The memory sent an ache to her heart that squeezed, reminding her of their new dynamic: prisoner and warden.
“Sorry,” he said, standing. “Fresh out of livestock. But I can heat another MRE before I cover the fire.”
She pretended to contemplate. “I accept the offer.”
“Only this one? I could offer more. The tent is still up,” he teased and last night's memory burned between them. His fingers against her skin, their shared breathy moans, his lips on her neck. Her shoulder still stung where he had bitten her, the pain both sweet and unbearable.
God, she wanted to accept his offer, but things were complicated enough. “Just food, Mateo. If that's okay?”
“Always, Gabriella. I'll take care of you.”
He did. He handed her the food and waited while she ate, turning away just enough to give her the illusion of privacy while he finished breaking camp. When it was time to move again, Gabriella stood and automatically held out her hands for the rope when they approached the Jeep.
Mateo froze, then he shook his head. “No.”
