And at the center of the group is none other than Ender Vale.
He sits like a king in exile. His military coat lies lazily behind him, and his black t-shirt fits him like a second skin. His raven hair is mussed, falling delicately into his eyes. A glass of scotch rests in his hand, the mahogany-colored liquor untouched. He stares at it as if it had committed a great crime.
He looks like he was forced to come out.
“Guys,” I say softly. “We might have a problem.”
Gray follows my sight and curses under his breath.
“That’s not good,” Rei says.
“We’re upstairs,” Gray says. “We’ll just stay out of their way and wait until they leave.”
He signals the guard, and the rope lifts, giving us access to the second floor. The booth is spacious and secluded. Just as Gray promised.
“I want you to have fun, Vee,” Gray whispers, squeezing my shoulder. “Ignore him.”
Ender’s presencedidspoil my mood. I wanted a night where I could forget about him. One where I could just be free to spend time with the people I loved.
“I’ll try,” I say.
Drinks are laid on the table, and we all grab a glass.
“To the twins,” Grayson says.
“To the twins.”
I smile at Mercy as I down my drink in one go. She takes a tentative sip before she slowly places it down. Mercy is not fond of alcohol. I don’t blame her; we both have a terrible tolerance. I wouldn’t bother drinking if Grayson weren’t here. I know he’ll just carry me to bed and tuck me in after.
I pull Mercy close.
“I missed you, Mer-Mer.”
“I didn’t miss that nickname.” Mercy groans.
“How’s the Vale estate?”
“Boring,” she says. “He’s never home. But when he is… he asks about you.”
My chest tightens.
“I think he’s fishing for information,” Mercy continues.
I hesitate, staring down at my tangled fingers. I’m afraid to tell her about the kiss, but I have to. I’ve never kept any secrets from my sister, and I refuse to start now.
“He kissed me the other day. It was after an argument, and he just…well, he grabbed my face and did it,” I say. “We both regretted it, and it will never happen again.”
“Haven,” she warns. “He’s dangerous.”
“I know,” I whisper. “And he’s yours now. It was an incredibly selfish thing to do. You’re my sister, and you deserve better.”
Mercy catches my hand, squeezing my fingers.
“I have no interest in Ender Vale,” she says. “And I am not blind, I saw how he looked at you at the engagement party.”
I stare at her under my lashes. Surprised that she is not angry at me. I thought she would be more upset, that she would curse me, and call me selfish. It was my idea for us to swap. I was going to be the soldier, and she, the wife. But I kissed her husband, a man that I gave to her, to pursue vengeance.
And now everything is messy and muddled. Ender knows our secret. He wants me to speak our vows and to be his wife. The rebels are growing stronger, and the regime is getting restless. I’m in the middle of it all—the war, and this relationship.
