I stepped back, slow and controlled, trying not to break contact too abruptly. “You’re twitchy today.”
She folded her arms. “I’m not twitchy.”
Barcode snorted loudly.
She glared at her. “Don’t take her side.”
I fought a smile. “I’m not. Just… checking in.”
She shifted her weight again, the twitch undeniable now. “I’m good. Just a lot on my mind.”
“About us?”
Her eyes darted away. “About… everything.”
Which wasn’t an answer.
And it was absolutely an answer.
Before I could say anything else, Barcode grabbed one of her bootlaces in her teeth and tugged hard. She yelped, stumbled forward, and fell right into my chest.
I caught her again, instinct taking over.
She froze.
I froze.
Then, very slowly, she looked up, her face inches from mine, her breathing unsteady.
And whatever distance she’d been trying to create?
It was gone.
Completely gone.
“Sienna,” I whispered.
Her throat worked as she swallowed. “I really am fine.”
But her voice trembled.
And we both knew it wasn’t the full truth.
I didn’t push. Beck’s warning was too fresh. Instead, I brushed my thumb gently over her arm.
“I’m here,” I said quietly. “Whenever you want to talk.”
She exhaled shakily, eyes flicking to my mouth for one dangerous heartbeat before she stepped back.
Barcode nudged her again, demanding an apple she didn’t have.
She cleared her throat. “We should… get her back to her enclosure.”
“We should.”
She turned to lead the zebra out, muttering bribes under her breath, and I followed, watching the sway of her braid, the tension in her shoulders, the brave little smile she wore like armor.
I was in deep.
