Chapter 29

Ophelia

“What’s the rush, little dove? Always trying to fly away.” He clicked his teeth and shook his head, then proceeded to step onto the path. “Follow me. Oh, and try to keep up. Wouldn’t want you getting lost.”

I bit my tongue against that insane nickname of his, not wanting to somehow set him off, and followed him into the shadow-laden forest. Tree branches seemed to move out of our way as we ventured deeper.

The path curled left and right before straightening out once more. For several minutes we walked in silence. I counted the quiet, shallow breaths that left Jude’s lips, and trailed my gaze up the back of his tattooed neck to the dark hair that was shaved short around the sides.

He turned, as though he could feel my eyes on him.

“Not much farther now.”

Fifteen or so minutes later we entered a clearing. The trees towered over our heads, blotting out most of the sun. The shade provided was thick and cool, helping to dry the sweat that had beaded along my back.

Jude spun on his