"By the Fire's Warmth"

As they stepped inside the cabin, Chris couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, but as he gazed into Dakota's eyes, all his senses were dulled except for the attraction he felt towards her. The old man, Jed, gestured for them to take a seat by the fire, but Chris had other plans. He walked over to the fire and sat down beside Dakota, his leg touching hers, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. The cabin was small, with rough-hewn wooden walls and a fire that crackled and spat in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room. The air was thick with the scent of wood smoke and something else, something earthy and damp that Chris couldn't quite place. He took a sip of the coffee Jed handed him, but his eyes never left Dakota's face. As they sipped their coffee, Chris couldn't help but steal glances at Dakota, his desire for her growing with each passing moment. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face, his fingers grazing her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Dakota's eyes locked on his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. Jed cleared his throat, breaking the spell, but Chris didn't care. He leaned in, his lips inches from Dakota's, and whispered, "I need you." Dakota's eyes fluttered closed, and she nodded, her voice barely audible. "I need you too." As they kissed, the fire crackled and spat, casting a warm glow over the room. Chris felt Dakota's body melt into his, her cold, wet clothes a stark contrast to her warm, willing skin. He pulled her closer, his hands roaming over her body, warming her up. Jed, seemingly oblivious to the passion unfolding before him, got up and rummaged through a closet, producing a stack of blankets and a few dry towels. "You two look like you could use some warmth," he said, his voice gruff. Chris and Dakota broke apart, gasping for air, their eyes locked on each other's. Without a word, they got up and made their way to a loft above the main room, where a bed was shrouded in shadows. As they undressed and climbed into bed, Chris wrapped his arms around Dakota, pulling her close. Her body was like ice, but as he held her, he could feel her warmth spreading, her skin heating up under his touch. They made love, their bodies entwined, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. The fire below them crackled and spat, casting a warm glow over the room, but Chris didn't notice. All he felt was Dakota's warm, willing body, and the love they shared. As they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, Chris felt a sense of peace wash over him. They were safe, for now, and they had each other. The darkness outside receded, and all that mattered was the warmth of the fire, and the love they shared. Jed's voice drifted up from below, his words indistinguishable, but his tone gentle. Chris smiled, feeling grateful for the old man's kindness, and the haven he had provided. As they drifted off to sleep, Chris knew that they would face whatever dangers lay ahead, as long as they had each other. And for now, that was all that mattered.