Free Sole Survivors: Crux Survivors, Book 2 by Dani Worth

both women had been watching him and from their concerned expressions, some of what he was feeling had been on his face.
    “I should grab the pot,” Keera said softly. “It’s actually in the hall closet because it’s too big for the kitchen cabinets.” She started to move past Chase.
    “I’ll get it and take it down,” he said. “What else do you need down there?”
    “Jenna and I can bring the jars of gumbo.”
    “Aren’t they still in the car?”
    Keera chuckled. “No, you and your brother keep those. I have more. It’s easy, I like it. Jenna and I can grab bowls and glasses for drinks. I only have water or tea, though.”
    “Oh, we have a lot of tea and even a few surprises.” Jenna rubbed her hands together. “I bet that’s what’s in the box Ross took outside. We are going to have fun tonight. It’ll be our last big hurrah before we go in after Cadmar’s family.” She frowned.
    Chase knew what she was thinking. That people would get hurt. Or worse.  
    “I’m sure there will be more hurrahs for you after, too.” Keera smiled. “I’ll grab a basket we can stack dishes into. Oh and some blankets—I’ll grab those. Even with the fire, it gets cold at night.”
    “The pot?” Chase reminded her.
    “We passed the closet when we came in. You can’t miss it.”
    He nodded and walked out of the kitchen, noticing there was a ball of hot anticipation in his belly for the first time in longer than he could remember. He was already thinking he might offer to help these people rescue that family, but in the meantime, he was really looking forward to this meal.

Chapter Six
    Keera watched the firelight play over Dorian and Ross’s faces as they sat on the other side of the fire from her. Darkness had fallen fast and she’d set out a few oil lanterns and some covered candles so they had plenty of light.
    Tripp sighed, pulling her attention away. He and Cadmar were playing cards and she had to laugh when Tripp looked longingly at the pot over the fire. He caught her grin and shrugged. “It smells so good, my mouth keeps watering.”
    “It does,” Cadmar said. “It reminds me a lot of my mother’s.”
    “It should be ready in another few minutes. It’ll only be lukewarm if we eat it now.”
    “I’m not sure he’d care,” Chase said. He’d propped his cushion on a boulder and leaned back with his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles.
    “Trust me.” Keera dragged her gaze off his legs with effort. “It’s best hot.”
    The way his eyes narrowed on her mouth sent heat pooling in her lower body. Maybe she shouldn’t have used the word hot .
    Ross’s soft laughter pulled her attention back to the two other men.
    Dorian had pulled two cushions together and he leaned back against Ross, cradled between his legs. Every now and then, Dorian twisted his neck and raised his face for kisses. Ross held on to the younger man like he needed him to breathe. That affection, that caring embrace was just as strong when Jenna was around. Keera had caught the men pulling her into a hug earlier when she’d rounded the warehouse into the front yard.
    Now she watched them and saw that both men occasionally looked up for Jenna, who had taken up the shower offer first.
    Loneliness hit Keera with the force of a blow.
    These people would get into bed together tonight. Hold each other. Probably make love.
    She’d known this feeling briefly, but even then, a part of her had known the relationship she’d shared with Dax had been more about friendship and convenience. She’d loved him a lot…just not with the kind of passion she witnessed here.
    Jenna came outside and walked around the fire. She surprised Keera when she sat on a cushion next to her instead of the ones with Ross and Dorian. Ross frowned at her.
    Keera shook her head. “Again, you might be the luckiest woman alive.”
    “No doubt.” Chuckling, Jenna leaned back on her elbows and crossed her booted feet at the ankles. Her hair was