Chapter 148. Don't Go

Carlos's POV

The warmth of the fireplace welcomed me as I stepped into the cottage. Elena closed the door against the storm and hurried to a chest in the corner, pulling out some dry clothes. She handed them to me, her fingers brushing mine briefly, and I felt a spark of warmth and something else…despite the chill in my bones.

"Here, change into these," she said. "I'll make you a hot cup of tea to warm you up."

She pointed to a small adjacent room. “You can change in there.”

I nodded and she hurried towards the kitchen area while I moved to the room she had pointed me to and changed quickly. 

When I returned to the living room, Elena was at the fireplace, adding more wood to the flames. The fire crackled and roared, casting a golden glow over the room and more warmth.

Elena handed me a steaming cup of tea as I sat on a sofa beside her. I took it gratefully, savoring the warmth that spread through me with each sip.