023

After Cherry drifted into slumber, Jake continued to work late into the night. Sleep had been elusive for him in the past six months. He focused on a medical project, diligently following up on his research. Every so often, he stole a glance at her, the fiery spirit now peacefully asleep on his bed. He'd covered her with the bedsheet after their passionate encounter two hours ago. Midnight was approaching.

He pondered how he could convince her to stay with him for the entire weekend. He saw the determination in her eyes when she mentioned this being their only night together. He yearned for more of her, but he suppressed his desires. His years in the army had granted him ironclad control.

Over the past six months, whenever he lay down on his bed, the memories of his last moments with his brother haunted him. Those memories resided there, in his bed, in his sleep. They reminded him of how he let his brother talk him out of that cave, how he allowed the Python Team to drag him away from