Page 59 of Devlin

Just then, the truck driver climbed into the cab. He gave a quick wave through the window before rumbling away, heading toward the local market where he would reload supplies for the next day’s deliveries.

Mia turned her attention back to the warehouse. The workers were finishing up, sweeping the floors. She waved them off as soon as they were done, watching as they dispersed into the fading daylight. Charlie stepped in to help, and together, they lowered the massive metal doors, securing them with heavy locks.

As they walked back toward his bicycle, Charlie shot her a curious look. “Do you ever think about doing something else?”

She let out a soft laugh. “Almost every day.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Yet here you are.”

Mia sighed, then smiled. “Because I’ll see a child so excited over a piece of fruit, or an expectant mother savoring a meal, knowing she’s not just feeding herself, but nourishing her baby too. Those moments… they remind me why I do this.”

Charlie didn’t answer right away. Instead, he studied her with a quiet intensity she rarely saw in him. After a beat, his voice dropped, his usual teasing replaced by something more serious. “I know everybody thinks I’m just a joke,” he said. “But, Mia… you’re a really good person. Just… be careful. Not everyone here is who they seem to be.”

The low rumble of an approaching Jeep cut through the evening air, breaking the easy rhythm of their conversation. Mia turned instinctively, her gaze settling on the familiar vehicle as it slowed near the warehouse. The moment she spotted Devlin behind the wheel, a smile tugged at her lips, and she lifted a hand in greeting.

Charlie followed her line of sight and let out a dramatic sigh. “And this is my cue to hit the road.” He grinned, but his voicehad an unmistakable note of mischief. “Damn, I thought I might have you to myself a little longer.”

Rolling her eyes, Mia swatted playfully in his direction before waving him off. He didn’t linger—just hopped onto his bike, kicked off the ground, and pedaled away, disappearing into the fading light.

Without another glance back, she jogged toward the Jeep, her pulse kicking up for reasons that had nothing to do with exertion. She barely waited for Devlin to put the vehicle in park before climbing inside and turning toward him.

Before he could say a word, she reached out, cupped his face between her hands, and pulled him close, pressing her lips to his.

He stiffened for the briefest second, clearly caught off guard—but then he sank into the kiss, meeting her fervor with equal intensity. His hands slid to her waist, anchoring her in place as their breaths mingled. The scent of him, something warm and familiar, laced with hints of mosquito repellent, wrapped around her, grounding her in the moment.

When they finally broke apart, his lips curved into a smile, his blue eyes bright with amusement. “I’m not complaining, sweetheart, but what was that for?”

Mia shrugged, still a little breathless. “I don’t know. I just wanted to kiss you.”

Devlin chuckled as he shifted the Jeep into drive, shooting her a sideways glance before winking. “Then let’s get somewhere where we can kiss as much as we want.”

The drive back to her quarters was short, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space between them. The night was settling in, the air thick with the distant scent of cooking fires where the refugees prepared their evening meals.

Just as they were nearing her room, Mia broke the silence. “You know, I think Charlie has a lot of sadness.”

Devlin let out a scoff, his hands steady on the wheel. “Sadness? Charlie?” He cast her a doubtful glance. “What were the two of you talking about that gave you that idea?”

She sighed, turning slightly in her seat to face him. “As usual, Charlie always tries to hide behind a quip, flirting, or even saying something outrageous. But I think that can be a way of masking something deeper. I think it’s his way of coping.”

Devlin pulled the Jeep to a stop outside the staff quarters, then shifted in his seat to look at her more fully. His expression was considering. “That’s an interesting insight, Mia. I’ve been talking to some of the staff, and he was already on my list to check in with tomorrow?—”

“Don’t tell him what I said!” Her eyes widened in alarm.

Devlin laughed, shaking his head. “I won’t. Believe me, I’m not sure sadness is the emotion I’ll get from him.” He reached out, cupping her cheek with one warm hand, his touch gentle as his thumb brushed lightly over her skin.

Then he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss that had nothing to do with urgency and everything to do with savoring the moment.

When he pulled back, his voice dropped into something huskier, something meant just for her. “But enough about him. I want your undivided attention for a while.”

Mia let out a laugh, nudging his shoulder. “Sorry, big guy. Feed me first.”

His face softened. The amusement was still there, but something deeper flickered in his gaze. His thumb traced one last caress over her cheek before he murmured, “Whatever you want, my Mia.”

24

All through dinner, Devlin felt like a caged animal. He made himself converse with the people at the table, exchanged jokes with Cole and Todd, and even managed a conversation with Percy. But his thoughts remained locked on Mia.

No matter how much he tried to focus, his attention kept drifting to her. The way her fingers absently traced patterns on the table, the slight tension in her shoulders, the way she responded to conversation with just a fraction less warmth than usual. She had something on her mind. He could feel it. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one.

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