Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 911

He got to his feet and picked up his knife. His tall figure blocked out most of the firelight. “I’m going to see if I can find some coconut crabs.” He’d only gone a few steps before he stopped and turned, sounding a little unsure. “You eat coconut crab, right?”

Emmy nodded so fast it was almost funny, her eyes shining. “Yes, I do.” As long as it wasn’t a snake or some kind of bug, she was fine with it.

James smiled, just a small quirk of his lips, then disappeared into the thick forest. He was gone for more than half an hour.

Emmy hugged her knees and sat by the fire, her gaze lost in the flickering flames. The steady chorus of insects all around her made her heart race. She kept glancing at the bushes, half expecting something to jump out at her.

It wasn’t until James’s tall silhouette stepped out of the shadows that she finally relaxed. He was holding two massive coconut crabs, their claws waving. Each one was as big as a serving bowl. In his other hand was a rough-skinned green fruit.

“This is breadfruit,” James said, setting everything down and getting right to work. He put the breadfruit close to the fire to roast and then got started on the crabs.

Before long, the air was filled with a warm, rich smell, almost like fresh bread baking. Emmy sniffed and her stomach gave her away with a loud growl. She quickly ducked her head, embarrassed.

James used a stick to turn the breadfruit, making sure both sides were golden brown before pulling it from the fire. He picked up a piece of half-dry wood and started whittling it with his knife. In no time, he’d carved out a small spoon. It looked rough but the edges were smooth, so it wouldn’t hurt her lips.

He peeled off the burnt skin of the breadfruit, revealing the steaming, creamy yellow flesh inside. “Want to try it?” He held out the homemade spoon.

Emmy took it and scooped up a bite, careful not to burn herself. The breadfruit was soft and dense, almost like a roasted sweet potato with a hint of tropical fruit. The gentle sweetness melted on her tongue and she felt the warmth slide down to her stomach.

“It’s really good,” she mumbled, already going in for another spoonful. She hadn’t realized just how hungry she was.

Emmy took it, murmuring, “Thanks.”

James looked like he wanted to say something else, but when he saw how tired she was, he just kept quiet.

“Sleep,” he said gently.

Emmy curled up on her side, facing the rock wall. The fire cast moving shadows across the stone. James stayed by the fire, adding wood now and then, never taking his eyes off her slim back. The feeling of relief at having her safe again was so strong he couldn’t look away, not even for a second.

Just then, the satellite phone in his jacket pocket buzzed.