“I do,” he said, unable to avoid the snap in his voice. “Just like you. And I have a good reason for never using our beach for fishing before, and you know it.”
Her mouth dropped open. She looked so lost for a minute that he almost believed she had no clue what he was talking about. Then her features shut off, and she crossed her arms again. “I don’t know why you never fished before. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Already primed for a fight he didn’t get with his brother, Maddox found it easy to take out his frustrations on Juno. Even better, it was his excuse to break it off with her.
He gave a short laugh. “For the same reason we need to have a border between our communities.”
Juno rolled her eyes. “Because people on your side of the border can’t play nice.”
“My people?” Maddox choked out another laugh. His people? His people weren’t the problem. “We had to make a border because of your people. If not for you, we’d all be able to get along.”
“If not for me?” Juno said, eyes flashing with hurt.
“Not you, but your people—”
“Right.” The hurt changed to anger. “You don’t know anything about me or my family.”
“I know you hate it there. I know when you found me on the bridge, you were running away from something. Probably your family.”
He didn’t know why he said it, but he knew it was true. And he knew that part of what his mom and Theo said had to be right. If even Juno didn’t want to be around her family, it made sense that they were as bad as his people thought they were.
“Then what are you running away from?” she shot back. The sun came out from behind the clouds, and the light and the heat seemed to fuel her anger. “You were the one who came to my side of the border first. If everything is so great on your side, then why do you keep coming out here?”
“I told you, I was looking at your nets.” Didn’t she listen? It had nothing to do with her or her people. He just wanted information.
“Why? If you’re not even allowed to fish on your beach, who cares about my nets? Or were you running away from your parents, since they won’t let you bring in some easy food?”
“Not parents,” he snapped. “Parent. My dad is dead because of your people. They killed him right on the beach. That’s why there’s a border. To keep us safe.”
She blinked, lips parting in surprise. “I didn’t know.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He scuffed his foot on the pavement, still feeling the need to argue. To do something to get out his frustration. He gestured toward the buildings he’d just walked from. “I’m sure you need to get back home. Maybe ask your parents about what I said, so you can finally learn the truth.”
She held his gaze for a long moment, and part of him wished she’d step forward and take his hand. He would apologize, and things would go back to the way they were before. He didn’t want to fight with Juno.
He didn’t want this to be over.
But then she swallowed and nodded. “I’m sure you need to get back, too. It was a mistake coming here.”
It would have hurt less if she’d slapped him. “You’re right,” he ground out. “This was one big mistake.”
He didn’t wait to see her expression. He knew he’d delivered the final blow and that was it between them. When Juno swiveled on her heel and walked away, it occurred to him that he’d never see her again.
A moment of panic raced through him. Juno might be gone for good. All this, these simple moments and time away from his own community, were gone.
But then he clenched his hands at his sides and started toward the bridge. Who cared if they never saw each other again? It was the best thing that could happen to both of them. He’d start fishing and help out his mom more around the community. He’d help calm things between the sides.
And he’d forget about Juno quick enough.
Maddox climbed the beams to the top of Victor Bridge. He spotted a few people walking between buildings or talking with each other, but as far as he looked, he couldn’t see Juno. With a huff, he sat down and stared at the clouds.
He didn’t need anyone else, especially not a clueless girl from across the border.
But that was the thing. She had seemed clueless, like she had no idea about his dad or what had gone on during the feud. Which would mean she was as innocent as he’d figured. Just like him, she was caught in a war that she had no part in.
Still, it was better for them to be apart. Nothing good could come from them meeting here time after time.
So why, then, did it feel like he was missing one of the most important parts of his life?
Chapter Nineteen
Juno
Even though she didn’t have boathouse duty anymore, Juno couldn’t stop herself from walking in that direction most evenings. It felt lonely in her tiny shack—not really like home. No. In two days, “home” would be an abandoned building by the bridge.
She just needed to find the perfect place, which she’d do when she went scavenging tomorrow.
Besides that, she was still raw from her visit with Maddox yesterday. Walking near the boathouse, where things were so quiet, made her feel less lonely.
Juno rubbed her face. Maddox had practically dismissed her. Told her to go home and talk to her parents—not even knowing she didn’t have parents.
She should have known this was going to happen. No, she had known this was going to happen. It wasn’t just that they lived on opposite sides of the border. It was her. She disappointed Rand and Stef every day of her life. Why had she expected it to be any different with Maddox?
Then there was the stress of it all. Sneaking out all the time to meet, worrying about each other more than they should. What kind of relationship was that? No wonder they couldn’t seem to make things work. This world wasn’t built for fun and friends. It was built for survival and hard work.
For people who were willing to do whatever it took—even betraying people they cared about—to get what they needed.
Still…she couldn’t help but wonder if things would be different once she moved. If things would be less stressful and their never-ending fights brought on by the feuding sides would cease.
Juno snorted. Yeah, right. It seemed like Maddox had already made up his mind, so it didn’t matter what happened from here on out.
When she spotted Cam sitting on the bench on the boathouse porch, she jumped, hoping he hadn’t heard her.
Then, she gathered her confidence and lifted her chin in a quiet greeting.
He waved, giving his easygoing grin. “Hey, Juno. Everything okay?”
“Yes. Just taking a walk. Things okay here?”
To her relief, he nodded. “Looks good. Haven’t seen anything for the last several days.” But he frowned. “It’s too quiet.”
“Isn’t that good?”
He stood and stretched then ran a hand through his wavy hair, tousled by the salty air. “No. It means they’re planning something.”
She sighed. Why couldn’t everyone leave it alone? Why was everyone always trying to start something? “You don’t know that.”
“You did see what they did to Ty, didn’t you?”
An image of his bloodied face came to mind, and she lowered her chin. “I did. But it all seems like a misunderstanding.”
When she glanced up, his mouth was open like he didn’t know how to respond—the same way Rand and Stef probably looked at her. Just because she lived on this side of the border didn’t mean she had to hate the others. Not on principle. She had so many other things to worry about in life, stressing about this didn’t seem worth it.
“It’s not a misunderstanding,” Cam said. “They’re doing whatever they can to take us down. And I’m not going to be the one who lets them do it.”
His voice was gruff and full of anger.
“Cam…” Juno blew out a breath. “I know they hurt Ty, but—”
“I’m going to get some sleep,” he said before she could
finish.
The words surprised her, but not as much as the way he turned his back on her. She blinked after him. She’d never seen this side of Cam before. It looked like the feud with the other side brought out the worst in her people, too.
After a minute, she turned to the beach and breathed in the air. She missed fishing. Missed being out here at night. Soon, it would be rat traps and scavenging instead of pulling in fish and crab.
And who knew what else would change. She wouldn’t have Pillar to talk to at night anymore, or Maddox’s smile waiting for her every day.
She bit down hard on her lip to shut off the emotions. It was for the best, anyway. Them being together, even as friends, put them both in a terrible position. And someone like Maddox—independent and smart and strong—wouldn’t want to be around someone like her. She didn’t belong.
But she still found herself walking in the direction of the border, looking both ways for people on her side or the other. Cam was right. It was too quiet. She didn’t see anyone.
She automatically went to the light post and slid her hand along the rough surface. When her fingers ran over a few ridges, she peered at the wood. Something had been carved in the surface.
Juno stepped closer, her mouth opening in surprise when she saw the message. Running late, still coming.
She stepped back, gaze jerking around like she expected Maddox to be right behind her. Then it occurred to her. He’d written this when they were supposed to meet at the bridge, before they’d said goodbye for good.
A pang of regret hit her. He’d been trying to save her the trouble of waiting all day for him.
He’d been trying to be nice.
Her chest aching, she turned back in the direction she came. The dock loomed next to her, full of shadows.
Then one of them moved.
She gasped, reaching for her knife in one smooth movement.
“Juno, it’s me,” he said.
Maddox. She saw the glint of his eyes in the moonlight, but it felt like her hand was glued to her knife.
“Juno,” Maddox said again. “Please.”
This time her heart twisted. Please. He’d risked his safety to come here—the least she could do was hear him out, even if it messed with her heart all over again.
She squared her shoulders and walked to where he stood in the shadows of the dock. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.”
Juno glanced back to the boathouse. “I’m not even supposed to be out here, and neither are you. You know how much trouble we could get in and—”
“I know, but I thought I might get lucky. I came last night, too, but I never saw you.”
“You did?” She saw the shadow of his nod in the darkness and her heart softened just slightly.
“Juno…” Maddox shifted, one hand reaching out. “I’m sorry about yesterday.”
She stared at his fingers. Long and strong. A hand full of calluses she already felt like she knew well. But she couldn’t touch it. “It was the best thing, right?”
“No, it wasn’t. It isn’t. I was upset, and I took it out on you.”
He had. But it made sense. They were the last two people on earth who should have anything to do with each other. He deserved someone else. Someone better. And someone he didn’t have to sneak around with.
“I didn’t know about your dad,” she said, watching as he lowered his hand to his side. She kept her distance when all she really wanted was to have his arms around her. “I swear, Maddox. I’ve only ever heard rumors about why it started—”
“I know. Really. I just—I felt like I needed someone to blame. To argue with or something, but it isn’t your fault.”
She swallowed hard. “I understand. But you were right about leaving. I’m not…”
“Not what?”
“Not good for you.”
Maddox stepped out from the shadows with a frown. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s—it’s better this way.”
He reached out, and this time he caught her hand before she could move. “It’s not better. That’s why I’m here.”
She waved her free hand, trying to get him to talk quieter. He pulled her into the shadows of the dock. Her breath caught in her throat when he turned her around so her back was against the wooden beam.
“Juno,” he said quietly, face only inches away from hers. “I’m sorry. I came back to apologize and see if you’ll give me another chance.”
“But—”
“Wait. Please. Just hear me out.”
She closed her mouth, but that didn’t stop her heart from racing. Her eyes strayed to the boathouse. She hoped Cam didn’t come looking for her, because she wasn’t about to stop Maddox now.
“I was scared and afraid you’d get hurt. It seemed safer to end things. But I can’t stop thinking about you.”
Dozens of words bubbled up in her throat. Her eyes dipped to his lips, and she said, “I can’t stop thinking about you, either.”
He lifted one hand to tuck her hair behind her ear after a short breeze blew by. Water splashed near her shoes, but she barely noticed the spray on her bare skin.
“I didn’t mean the things I said yesterday,” Maddox said. “I still want to see you.”
“But…it’s dangerous. You shouldn’t even be here right now.”
“It’s worth it.” She could hear the grin in his voice. “I needed to see you.”
She looked again for light or movement by the boathouse, worry creeping in. “I should get back soon…”
“Then tell me to leave.”
“What?”
He laughed. “Tell me to leave. If you don’t want me here, tell me to go.”
“I don’t…” Her throat dried. “I don’t want you to go.”
And it was the first time she’d told the truth without regret, even though she knew it was wrong, even though she knew the consequences.
He leaned in faster than she could blink, his mouth pressing against hers. Her breath caught, and then she sank into the kiss. His lips were smooth, unlike his hands. The contrast was enough to make her melt even further.
She curled her fingers into his shirt, holding him close as his tongue brushed hers once, then twice.
“I should really go,” she breathed.
“One more minute,” he whispered, his breath tickling her lips.
She laughed, feeling carefree and lighter than she had in days. “Maddox.”
His fingertips brushed her cheek. “One more minute.”
Then his lips were on hers again. Her fingers tightened in his shirt. For a moment, all she could do was feel. His hands ran along her bare arms, tracing all the way from her shoulders to her wrists and then back up.
The world spun around her, water crashing against the shore and the air singing with a soft breeze. She could almost believe there was nothing to worry about and that she and Maddox were allowed to be out here together.
That she and Maddox were allowed to be anywhere together.
“I should really go,” she said again, pulling back.
Maddox groaned, and the sound of it vibrated against her cheek. She shivered and clung tighter.
“Change your mind?” he asked.
“No. I need to get back before someone sees us.”
“Is this goodbye for now or goodbye for good?”
For good. That’s what she was supposed to say. But she didn’t. This felt like a whole new beginning for them.
“For now,” she whispered, releasing him.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
He wouldn’t let go. “Do you forgive me?”
Of course she did. But she still didn’t fully believe he actually wanted to be with her. “Yes.”
“Good.”
He kissed her once more and then released her. “Can you meet me at the bridge tomorrow?”
She should have said no. She should have told him to wait a few days. Just a few days and she’d
be free. But all she could do was nod. “I’ll be there.”
Maddox stayed hidden in the shadows. “Goodnight, Juno.”
She smiled as she turned. “Goodnight.”
Juno sped across the shore and made it to the boathouse just as Cam opened the door. She tried to control her racing heart as she reassured him everything was fine.
Despite the deceit, it really did feel like everything was fine again. And it’d be even better tomorrow when she got to see Maddox.
Chapter Twenty
Maddox
They’d finished Juno’s rat traps yesterday, but she hadn’t said anything about stopping their meetings. In fact, he was starting to think Juno spent more time at the bridge than back in her community. She was there when he arrived and left after him. But he still felt like he needed an excuse to keep coming to see her so often, so he smiled at her the moment he walked between the tall buildings and spotted her at the bridge, prepared to propose a new task.
“I was looking on the way,” she said.
He grinned. She must have the same idea as he did. Excuses. If they had excuses to meet each other, it felt less like a lie and more like a project. Together, he and Juno were productive. At least when he could keep his hands off of her.
“Did you find anything?” he asked.
Juno set her pack on the ground and crouched next to it. Maddox ran his hand over his neck, catching sweat. The sun beat down hard, burying the city in heat waves and making it difficult for him to want to do anything but relax in the shade.
When she pulled a small length of rope from her bag, he crouched next to her. “Where’d you find that?”
“On the beach this morning.”
“It wasn’t from one of your nets, was it?”
She rolled her eyes. “No. It probably washed ashore from somewhere else. You can use it.”
He took it from her, testing the weight, and then used the end to tickle her arm. She laughed and swatted him away, making him grin. Yeah, he’d find a million more tasks for them to do if it meant spending time together like this.
“We’ll unravel it,” she said, taking the rope back and shoving it inside her bag again. “Use the smaller strands. It’ll be easier to handle that way, and we’ll get more out of it.”
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