As long as those two didn't step into the cave, there was nothing Cash could do to them. He couldn't outfight them, couldn't out-argue them—and while they carried explosives on them, all his bombs were sealed inside the mountain. Since killing them wasn't an option tonight, the best plan was to get them gone before they gave him a stroke from pure rage. But Natalie wasn't leaving. She smiled pleasantly. "We'll have to trouble you a bit more. Mind if we crash here for the night?" "What?" Cash blinked, thinking he'd misheard. "You want to stay in my camp?" Natalie tilted her head, teasing. "What's wrong? Scared we'll sneak into your precious warehouse and steal everything while you sleep?" He instinctively shook his head. "No ... not that." After all, there was only one entrance to the storage cave, and his own tent was blocking it perfectly. Anyone who wanted to get in would have to pass through him first. Unless they could turn invisible—or teleport—it was impossible. After a moment's thought, he waved his hand grandly. "Fine. You can stay the night. But first thing tomorrow, take your stuff and go." Natalie said with a nod, "Deal." Cash's lips curled into a thin smile. Enjoy your night, sweetheart. Tomorrow's your funeral. The supplies, the helicopter—everything will be mine. He called two of the Black men back inside. "Give them a tent, put it in Zone B." Natalie immediately interrupted, "We'll set up ours right next to yours." His voice shot up several octaves. "What?!" Was this woman kidding? One demand after another! Natalie shrugged. "I don't know anyone else here. I'm not about to bunk with strangers. Right next door works best." Cash stared at her for several long seconds, jaw flexing, then ground out, "Fine." Let her. Two walking corpses won't make a difference. I'll keep them close, let them relax, drop their guard—and tomorrow, boom. He turned to his men. "Set their tent beside mine. Keep a distance of 30 feet." Then, he added pointedly, "Don't sleep tonight. Guard my door. Keep your eyes on them. No one gets close." "Yes, sir." Orders given, the two men led Natalie and Cassian toward the outer area. Just before stepping out, Natalie glanced back at Cash and said casually, "You used to rob tombs, didn't you?" Cash froze mid-motion, blurting out, "How did you know—" Natalie's lips quirked. Knew it. Cassian's security mechanisms weren't something just anyone could crack. Either this man had experience in ancient traps ... or he'd built them himself. But judging by the AK in his hands and the stockpile of bombs, he didn't look like any law-abiding engineer. For a moment, Cash's expression faltered. Then, he smoothed it over, forcing a lazy grin. "So what if I am? You gonna call the cops on me?" Then, his eyes gleamed as he went on dreamily, "Your country's full of history—treasures everywhere. So many wonders are buried underground, rotting away beside corpses. Such a waste!"I'm just giving those beauties a new life, bringing them back into the light." Natalie snorted. "Yeah, sure. Breaking into someone's house and selling their stuff—real noble of you." He'd been swallowing her sarcasm all day, and that last jab snapped what was left of his patience. "Tell me I'm wrong! You people bury priceless relics in the dirt. That's the real crime!" Natalie shot right back without missing a beat. "And those are our ancestors' relics. If they want to bury them, that's their right. What's it got to do with you?" Cash lifted his chin stubbornly. "Art belongs to the world!" Natalie sneered. "Art may belong to the world, but artifacts belong to the nation that made them. Take without asking—that's called theft." He glared at her, eyes dark and dangerous, every muscle screaming that he'd love nothing more than to shove her into the cave and detonate a bomb just to shut her up. Natalie flicked a glance toward the two Black guards waiting by the tent flap. "And these people—your camp crew—they your partners in crime?" Cash's eyes narrowed at the police-issue pistol in her hand. Wait ... are they government agents? Have they been digging for evidence this whole time? A heartbeat later, he relaxed again. So what if they are? The world's ended. What are they gonna do—throw me in jail? He let out a cocky laugh. "What, you planning to deport me?" Natalie's reply was dry as dust. "Nope. Just wanted to tell you—you suck." Cash's mouth twitched. He needed her gone before he really did drop dead of fury. So, he humored her."Look, I'm not stupid. I wouldn't drag a bunch of foreigners here just to get caught. These guys came after the apocalypse hit. The only one who was with me before ... " He paused, " ... was that dude you knocked out earlier." Natalie raised an eyebrow. "So it's just you and the short one from Borduria?" He nodded. "Partners, yeah. Everyone else? Locals we hired—paid well—to do the grunt work."