“Hi,” I say, quickly turning to get a glass.
“You’re all right?” he asked. “After what you saw?”
I tighten the sash around my silky robe and turn back to him. I nod. “I’m glad you and Trick were still in Boston. I’m sure that either Connor or I would’ve been shot if—”
I stop speaking abruptly because Anvil leans forward and covers my mouth.
When he removes his hand, I nod, understanding. “Just thank you,” I murmur.
“You’re welcome.” After a beat, he adds, “You’ve been bad a lot. Is that what you’re like? A bad girl?”
I start to bristle defensively, but catch myself. “I just needed some breathing room.”
“You chose the wrong friend to hang with. He twittered and all that. It’s how they found you.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. I know he’s right. Rico was a hastily made choice. I should’ve chosen a friend who didn’t need to livestream his eyebrow waxings.
“You put us all at risk. Trick especially.”
“I didn’t choose all this. You guys did.”
His big hand catches my forearm and holds me in place. “So choose.”
I open my mouth, but no sound emerges. He’s not squeezing, not hurting me. If anything he seems to be imploring me.
“What’s going on?” Trick asks, entering the kitchen.
I glance at him. His hair is mussed like he’s been sleeping.
“Choose,” Anvil murmurs, giving my arm a gentle squeeze.
“I’m staying with C,” I whisper. “I already told him.”
His hand slides down and closes over mine, squeezing it for a second before releasing it.
“We were talking,” Anvil says, returning to his plate.
“About?” Trick asks, getting a lime and a Coke from the fridge.
“Bad little girls and good ones.”
Trick looks over his shoulder and smirks. “My favorite subject.”
“I should probably go back upstairs,” I say.
“Okay,” Trick says.
“Do not make any popcorn.”
He laughs. “Bring it in,” he says, holding out his arms.
I hesitate for a moment, but then step forward. He hugs me, and it’s a really good hug. I find myself leaning into it.
When it’s over, I head quickly back upstairs, not realizing until I’m in the bedroom that I forgot my water. I drink a couple of swallows from the bathroom sink’s tap and go back to bed. My sleep is restless.
* * *
Zoe
