Before I could process her act, Cayden arrived. His footsteps were rapid, his face a mix of panic and fury. He didn't even glance at me as he rushed to Catherine's side.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice soft and filled with concern as he knelt beside her.
"I-I slipped," Catherine stammered, tears streaming down her face. "Aubrey saved me, but—"
Cayden didn't let her finish. He stood and turned toward me, his expression darkening.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he snapped, his voice like a whip. Before I could respond, his hand came down hard against my cheek, the sting spreading across my skin like fire.
I staggered back, pressing a hand to my face as I stared at him in disbelief. He didn't care. His attention was already back on Catherine, his arms wrapping around her protectively as he carried her to the car.
"Take her to the hotel," he ordered one of the drivers before disappearing with Catherine.
I stood there, drenched and trembling, as the sound of the car engine faded into the distance. My phone's battery was dead. The area was so remote there were no taxis and I had no way to call for help.