“Yeah, but I’m not picky. Remember that mystery stew Betty used to make us? Totally fucked up my standards. So, listen, mind if I ask you something?”
I turn to face him, not used to the serious tone of his voice. “Shoot.”
“I’ve been thinking of what’s next for me with the Defenders.”
“You want out?”
“No, no. I wantup. A promotion and more responsibilities, especially with how serious things are getting out there.”
I nod. “You’ve been doing this for a long time. It makes sense for you to climb up if you’re ready.”
“Would you help? I don’t know how to go about it.”
He’s likely coming to me because his last captain died in a clash with Raiders a couple of months ago, and they haven’t found a new squad for him yet. “Let’s sit and talk tomorrow morning. I’ll be needing a lieutenant for my new squad.”
His eyes grow wide. “Are you serious? Oh, man, that will be so sweet. Thank you.”
It will also be a challenge considering his zero experience as a leader, but he’s been my friend for over fifteen years, and I know I can trust him. Besides, it doesn’t seem like others will be waiting in line to join my future squad, so I’ll take what I can get.
“Keep in mind I won’t be going out on missions as much as before,” I say.
Trey nods. “If it’s because of Finn, I’m happy for you. Oh, look at them go.”
I follow his gaze and find River and Josh dancing. Josh’s movements are limited because of the rifle on his back, while River is hopping around like a bunny. Whether that can be considered dancing is up for debate, but he seems to be having a blast. More importantly, he’s making Josh happy.
I catch Lyla talking with Remy on the other side of the hall, while Finn and Timothy are talking with a different group of people. I continue to scan the crowd until my eyes land on the king. There are dozens of people between us, but his eyes are locked on me as though everyone else is made of air.
I try to look away, but his hold feels physical.
“Caden. Yo, Caden.”
I shake my head, feeling a faint trace of a headache. “What?”
Trey frowns at me. “You spaced out.”
“Sorry.” I watch the king on his throne again, but he’s no longer looking at me.
Finn finishes his conversation while the band switches to a slower song. I seize the opportunity and walk to the dance floor, offering Finn my hand. “A dance?”
He glances around. “To this song?”
“Yes.”
I’m making him uncomfortable, but he looks too adorable for me to care. I place my palms on his hips and pull him against me. He rests his hands around my neck. “You’re too good at getting what you want,” he says.
“EverythingI want?”
“I don’t recall saying no to you often.”
“Well, there was that one time with the tree—”
“I wasn’t about to dangle from a tree while you… never mind.” He rests his cheek against my chest, and we sway slowly to the music. For a few precious moments, there’s nothing in the world that can scare me, and no other place I’d rather be.
“Did you find out anything?” I ask quietly.
“Yes. People are uninformed about what is happening with the Raiders.”
“A certain someone may be trying to keep his people in the dark.”
