She was always quiet, keeping mostly to herself, and with him, she was nothing if not politely distant.

Joseph pressed his lips together. "Glad to hear it."

Elodie turned to glance at him. "Is there anything else you need, Mr. Delacroix?"

He caught her meaning and shook his head. "No, that's all. I'll leave you in peace."

After he left, Elodie lingered a while longer, enjoying the solitude. Nights like this, when everything was still, were surprisingly comforting. As the hour grew late, she finally got up, ready to head back into her tent.

The moment she stood, she heard footsteps nearby, and the faint glow of a lantern flickered through the darkness.

A woman's voice, soft and edged with laughter, floated over. "Is this your tent?"

Elodie looked toward the sound.

Sylvie stood arm-in-arm with the tall, broad-shouldered Jarrod. He ducked inside the tent first, with Sylvie following close behind. They disappeared together into the same tent.

They're sharing a tent...

Elodie's gaze flickered, the realization catching her off guard. She hadn't expected that—especially with Jarrod knowing she'd be staying here tonight. He didn't even try to avoid her.

Her fingers tightened around her thermos. She turned and headed back to her

own tent.

at the highest standard—even the tents were more like luxury suites, complete with soft mattresses, sofas, and a coffee table. She barely felt the chill of the night and slept

her, that was something of

then did she notice it was already empty-the beds were perfectly made, as if no one

of it and

air was crisp and clean, and Elodie

room, she heard Octavia's voice from one of the stalls, chatting on the phone. "How come I didn't see

on the other end said something Elodie couldn't

unable to hide her amusement. "You and my

the middle of the night?

realization

here last night

enough for...well,

a spark,

was the only explanation that

lost in thought for a moment, then made her way back

to get herself ready-fix her makeup, gather herself, make sure she looked as calm and composed as ever. It was something she'd forced herself to do

retreat would last until the

learned

just found her presence a little too much

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