Chapter 153: Max

Sunday. Hotel, Boa Vista, Brazil.

MAX WAS WAITING WITH a plate the moment Lumen appeared. Jennifer and Prudence both glared at him, but he managed to get Lumen's attention and steer her into the bedroom where their things had been left. He could tell that Lumen was exhausted and in more pain than she wanted to admit. Besides, she'd never been much for messy emotions and she'd already told him he loved her today. That alone would leave Lumen wanting to avoid groups.

"Oh, thank you." She settled on the edge of the bed and grimaced.

"You seemed to be kind of done."

Lumen chuckled. "You still know me so well."

Max offered her the sandwich. He wished he could give her more, but it was what was on hand for now.

The desire to touch her was driving him crazy, but he didn't dare. Instead he retreated to the one arm chair in the room and sat at a safe distance. She might have forgiven him for today, but he kept replaying it and all the moments he should have acted differently.

Maybe he