Jasmin's POV
After my conversation with Mariyah, restlessness consumed me. Every heated exchange between Max and me replayed in my mind, making me question if I had been too harsh about his controlling nature. The weight of uncertainty pressed so heavily on my chest that I couldn't bear to work near him at the meat station. Instead, I volunteered for another task, desperate for breathing room to sort through the tangled mess of emotions between us.
"Mind sharing some of that meat with me?" Elliott's rich voice drifted from beside me, smooth as velvet and warm enough to make my skin tingle.
I looked up to find him grinning, still glowing from the successful hunt. Sweat glistened on his broad shoulders, and the wild scent of pine and earth clung to his skin. Thanks to his skills, everyone would feast on fresh pork tonight.
"Absolutely," I returned his smile and piled a generous serving onto his plate.
