Capturing Today (TimeShifters Book 2) by Jessica Keller, Jess Evander Read Free Book Online Page A

can have the cot.”
    “Absolutely not.” I cross my arms and give him my best don’t mess with me glare.
    As if I didn’t speak, he lies down on the ground.
    I loom over him. “This is ridiculous. You sleep on the cot. I’ll take the floor.”
    “I’m fine.” He keeps his eyes closed. “I’ll be fine.”
    “You’re clearly not. I don’t mind.”
    He shakes his head and then moves to roll onto his side, but he releases a loud hiss and presses his hand against his side.
    “Michael.” I drop to my knees next to him. “What happened?” Since he’s not about to let me check his side—stubborn man—I settle for running my hand over his head. My fingers work through his disheveled hair. “Why are you hurting?”
    “I’m fine.” His eyes are scrunched shut. He probably knows I’ll see right through his I’m fine if I can see his eyes. “Sore. But I’ll be fine.”
    I smooth my hand over his hair and take the opportunity to feel if he has a temperature. He’s a little warm, but he’s also wearing several layers of clothes. “I have zero chance of getting you to take this cot, don’t I?”
    “Zero.”
    Kindness isn’t going to win my argument because Michael can out-kind me any day of the week. Guilt or a challenge are my best allies. As mean as that seems.
    I inch away from him so he’ll note the loss of contact. “What? Do you think I’m some weak girl who can’t handle a night on the ground?”
    “No.” He rolls onto his back again and tucks his hands under his head. Finally, he opens his eyes again and looks at me. Watching me for a minute. “I think you’re strong. Which is why you have to take it.”
    “All right, delusions have set in.”
    Unsteadily, he props himself up on one elbow to face me better. “It’s not about women being weak. It’s about my belief that you are important—”
    “I’m not—”
    “To me.” He clears his throat. “You are important. You’re ten times more capable than anyone gives you credit for. Smarter. Quicker. More compassionate. And because you’re so valuable, it serves us better if you’re the one who has the best rest.”
    A rush of emotions clogs my throat. Has anyone ever viewed me like Michael does? No. Because only Michael overestimates who I am. He sees me in a light I’m not quite sure will ever exist. Yet, I’d really like to become the person he imagines me to be. If I could.
    I swallow hard. “You know, this cot isn’t as tiny as it looks. We could both fit on here and sleep if you want to try.”
    “Do you honestly think I’d get a second of sleep beside you on that?”
    “I don’t take up a ton of room. And I promise I don’t move a lot.”
    “You don’t get what I’m saying—”
    So guilt it is. “What if one of us shifts? I don’t want to …” Leave you .
    “I hadn’t thought of that.” He sits up slowly. “I should have.” On his hands and knees, he starts to climb toward the bunk. “I’m sorry. My head. It’s not working like it usually does.”
    Without another argument, he crawls onto the cot. I scoot to make room so he’s able to lie on his back. Wherever we are, it’s cold here. Fall? The end of winter? Who knows? I’ll ask Michael tomorrow. But with the chill that’s crept in as night tiptoed toward us, at least we won’t be uncomfortable cuddled so close.
    Once he’s settled, I get situated. I nestle against his side and rest my cheek on his chest. Listen to the steady pound of his heart. I lay my left hand on his chest as well.
    His right hand immediately covers mine as he works to lace our fingers together. “In case we shift.”
    Then he’s quiet. Must be sleeping already.
    “Gabby?”
    I try not to jolt at his dream-slurred voice. “Hmm?”
    “I’m glad Nicholas brought you to me.”
    I bite my lip and nod against his chest.
    I can never tell him about Erik.

 

    For the past eight months, I’ve experienced nightmares. Every single night. Some nights I wake drenched in sweat.