The mission.
“Are we still going out tonight?” I fisted the cover in my hands. “To search for Carmichael?”
“You’re in no condition for that, especially not if you want Burdock to discharge you so that you can go home and spend the evening with Rían and Goldie. She rented a couple of movies and bought snacks. It would be a pity if you fought against doctor’s orders and were forced to spend the night here instead.”
Seeing as how the doctor was her boyfriend, or whatever label they chose for themselves, she had the pull to make that happen if I pushed back too hard.
“I don’t want to let everyone down.” I bunched my hands in the sheets. “I don’t want them to think I’m a flake, or that I’m weak either.”
“You saved Rían’s life.” A sheen glittered across her eyes. “They would walk into a volcano for you now. Not a single one of them is going to begrudge you a full night’s sleep after what you’ve done.”
“Good thing there are none of those in Brentwood.”
“The risk of someone throwing Liam in is too high for us to ever settle near one.”
Surprise laughter bubbled out of me, reminding me I was unharmed but still tender.
“He can be obnoxious when he sets his mind to it, but he’s been nice to me lately.”
“All he’s ever really wanted is for Rían to be safe and happy, and you’ve proven yourself capable in both regards.”
“If he dedicates himself solely to his cousin’s happiness, how will he ever find his own?”
“You with Rían in the flesh instead of as his vague fantasy woman has helped Liam see what he’s been missing.” She tapped a finger against her chin. “Sloane has opened his eyes too, but I’m not sure their flirtation is something the clan can withstand if it turns more serious.”
“Then I should probably warn you that she’s already proposed to him. She’s determined to lock down the best friendandfavorite couple slots with Rían and me. There was some talk of moving next door to us so they could come over for dinner and games. Nightly.”
“Do you think it’s too late to arrange a marriage for him?”
“Um.” Biting down on a laugh, I had to follow my heart. “Pretty sure that ship has sailed.”
Sloane and Liam might become a thing, or they might not, but neither of them was the type to allow a matchmaker to decide their romantic fates. Plus, I had serious doubts Fayne could find willing victims to pair with either of them. They might end up together out of sheer desperation.
“Ah, well.” She tipped her head to one side. “It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if the magnus and maguri shared a property line.”
“Unless you’re the one living in the house one driveway down from them…”
Gleeful chuckles that bordered on downright evil flushed her cheeks, and she wiped tears from her eyes.
“I’m not laughingatyou,” she lied through her teeth. “I’m laughingwithyou.”
A knock on the door drew our attention to where Rían had stuck his head in, drawn by her laughter.
“I know that sound.” Apology laced his voice. “Nothing good comes from hearing it.”
“I’ve said my piece.” She bent and kissed my forehead. “I’ll be in touch about the details.”
Sloane and Liam waited until she entered the hallway to rush back in and circle the bed.
“Well?” Sloane gripped the metal railing. “What did she say?”
“I’m not sure if I should repeat it…” I scrunched up my face. “She wanted to talk in private, after all.”
“I’ll update you on Becca if you spill,” Liam offered. “Otherwise, I’ll swear the enforcers to secrecy.”
“Twist my arm why don’t you?” I huffed at him. “Well, it looks like I’m having a coming out party.”
“Yay! That sounds amazing. Go you.” Sloane hesitated. “What are you coming out as again?”
