That hesitation is still there—I can feel it, even when no one else can.
The slight delay before she moves.
The subtle recalibration in her posture.
Sentinel got in.
Not fully.
Not enough to break her.
But enough to disrupt her rhythm.
Not acceptable.
“She’s compensating,” Boone murmurs.
“I know.”
“She won’t let it show.”
“She doesn’t have to.”
Because I can see it.
And that’s enough.
I step slightly closer—not changing position, just reinforcing presence.
Her shoulder brushes mine.
Deliberate.
She doesn’t pull away.
Good.
That’s control.
That’s choice.
“You’re good,” I say quietly.
Not loud.
Not for anyone else.
Just her.
“I know,” she replies.
But there’s effort behind it.
And I feel that.
Which means he will too—
If we’re not careful.
