Footsteps pace closer to the bookshelf and I hold my breath.
“You’re just a few months from freedom, Rhazan. I would hate to have to mention an infraction and set you back.”
The voice is female, but she sounds tough, like she’s seen some shit.
“I understand, Officer Ott. I would hate that, too.”
“Clean up your cot better next time. As you get closer to coming off parole, more agents will come, more frequently. You need to keep your place in order.”
She knows I’m here.
She knows, and she’s trying to help him.
“Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
She walks away from the shelves. “Is it worth the risk?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
No hesitation.
My heart clenches hard. This istemporary. I’m going home soon. And he’s risking his parole to finger me.
Fuck.
I’ve been so selfish.
“Well, I see no infraction here. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Mr. Malakar.”
The woman walks to the door, and Rhazan follows her with his heavy footsteps.
“Good evening, Officer Ott.”
The door clicks shut, and we all hang in quiet stillness for a moment, and another, until I hear abangdown the hall. Rhaz walks to the bookshelf and the doorway snaps opens.
“Jade,” he whispers.
I crawl out the passage and he pulls me up into his arms. He grabs a fistful of my hair and drags my head against his chest asif he needs me to hear how fast his heart is beating. So fast, and all for me. I wrap myself up in him, feeling like a goddamned traitor.
“You need to go home now,” he says. “I’m sorry.”
“What about your wards?” I ask.
“I can manage them myself. You gave me more than enough magic,” he says, his lips pressed into my hair.
I want to apologize. I want to tell him that I’m not staying long. That I’m going to go home to Boston as soon as this trial is over.
But what’s even in Boston?
A few of Ace’s friends, whose names I don’t know. Nai Nai’s plants that are probably dead. An apartment that’s too small for all three of us. Debts. Favors. Gangs that want my magic and now might want my head.
“Should I come back with you?” he asks.
“No.” I shake my head. “No, I’m okay. Plus, Ace doesn’t think any of this is real.”
“Ace?”
“My little bro,” I say.
