"Alright," Piston starts. "We've talked."
I cock my head curiously while taking a bite of perfectly cooked egg. "You've talked?"
Zero nods. "We think you should stay here with us."
"Do you think I’m still in danger? Is it Travis? Crap, how could I forget about Travis? How am I supposed to go to work if he’s there? But if he isn’t, I don’t know what will happen to the?—”
“Slow down,” Piston says. “I had a little chat with him yesterday while you were getting cozy here.”
“Is he…”
“Still breathing for now. Long term I think he’s unreliable and a risk. If you’re going to keep working there he needs to go, but I don’t think he’s an immediate threat.” There’s a ‘but’ hanging in the air. “But while you’re at work one of us is, too. Non-negotiable this time.”
“Fine.”
They blink at me like they were expecting a fight.
“What? I’m not a complete idiot. This isn’t forever, right? Just until whatever it is that you guys are dealing with is over.”
“Right,” Beast says with a nod. I can tell he doesn’t trust my easy agreement.
“Guys. I don’t even havepantsat the moment. My plan for the day is to text Travis that I’m not coming to work for a couple days and he’s going to have to deal because he basically owes me for you not killing him. Then I’ll respond to Jerry’s message about me needing to watch Junkyard, and then talk to Natalie. I have to save my energy for her.”
“All your energy?” Piston asks, putting his plate down.
“Most of my energy.”
“Some,” Zero suggests.
I nod. “Definitely.”
"Good," Beast says with a wink before standing. "We have club business to deal with today, so if you can stay out of trouble for a few hours that would be great. One of us can drop you off at home. Natalie’s place isn’t inside the walls, but it’s about as safe as you can get without being here.” He pulls me in for a kiss,sliding a hand up his T-shirt that I’m wearing. “Looks good on you. I think I could get used to seeing you around here in my clothes.”
“Or mine,” Piston points out.
Zero grins. “Or none at all.”
23
SANDRA
Natalie’sin the living room when I come home, sitting on their L-shaped couch with a plate of cookies on the coffee table. It’s a little bit of comfort, if not quite a peace offering, but at least it sets us up to talk instead of yelling at each other. Last time didn't go all that great.
The moment I walk in, she gets up, and without a word pulls me into a tight embrace. "God, Sandra, I'm so glad you're okay."
I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. No matter how mad we were at each other, I know she must’ve been terrified. "I’m fine. It was scary but the whole thing probably only took a half an hour."
“It only takes a second to lose someone.” Her voice is rough like she’s been crying.
“I know, and I’m sorry for worrying you.” I close my eyes and lean into the hug. “I would’ve come home last night, but…”
“I know. Badass and Animal told me what happened. If I were you, I would’ve stayed with Zero and the others, too.” Gripping my shoulders, she puts me at arm's length and sighs. “There aresome details I don’t need to know about my little sister’s love life, but I know how it works, trust me. I haven’t forgotten what it was like in that first crazy time, or lying to you about what was going on and who they were.”
I grin. “What did you tell me Quickshot’s name was? Eric?”
She rolls her eyes. “That feels like a hundred years ago. Come on, try the cookies." She gestures at the couch as she returns to where she was sitting.
"You didn't poison these or anything, right? Something to make me sleepy so you can keep me locked in my room?” I pluck one off the plate. Chocolatey, crisp exterior, but chewy on the inside, with just a hint of… orange? "These are so good."
