“Shit. Forgot about her,” I sigh and give Valen a pat on his chest, signaling him to let me down. He does so reluctantly but makes sure to kiss me one last time.
Packing up my lunch, I realize it’s time to get back to work anyway. Valen and I make our way out to the street but pause to say bye.
“See you later, Aves!” Jade calls and I wave. I didn’t get much accomplished, but I can’t say I’m mad about Valen showing up.
I tug my peacoat tighter around myself when the wind blows and accept the cup Valen holds out to me. “What’s this?” Sniffing, I take a tentative sip. “Hot chocolate?” The warmth is much appreciated.
“It was on your bucket list.” Valen takes a sip of his own and recoils. “That is horrendous. Truly appalling.”
“More for me then.” I make to grab his cup, but he holds it away from me.
“No, I want to share this with you since you like it. Even if it does taste like sewage water.” He adds the last part under his breath but shoots a shy smile my way.
My heart skips a beat at the sight, and I grab his hand, swinging it a little. Valen makes me feel like a teenage girl with a crush. We walk in silence for a bit before Valen breaks it with a question I’d been hoping he wouldn’t ask.
“Why haven’t we looked into the agency more yet?”
I mull over my answer before responding. “I’m scared. It feels like a step closer to the answers I’m seeking and yet also a step closer to shattering the life I know. Everything is going to change, and I’m not sure how to feel about it.” I lower my head, staring at the sidewalk. When he’s quiet for a full minute, I lift my head and find him nodding thoughtfully.
“But what if it’s a better life?” he asks, voicing something I haven’t considered.
“Well, then that’s even scarier,” I admit. “I could’ve been missing out on so much and never known it. But I suppose the life I’ve lived until now ultimately led me to you, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.” I wink at him.
Valen stares, and I can see the wheels turning in his head at what I’ve just done.
“It’s a wink.” I do it again.
He attempts to do the same back to me but looks like he’s having a stroke instead by blinking both eyes rapidly. Giving up, he walks me all the way back to the precinct.
Tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, he sighs. “No matter what, I’ll be there for you.” Valen tightens his grip on my hand. “Let’s go to the agency tomorrow.”
Blowing out a breath, I nod, steeling myself to the decision.
CHAPTER 24
AVA
“I can’t believeyou have a license,” I sigh.
“Why? You’ve taught me well,” Valen refutes while turning the wheel with the smoothness of a seasoned pro.
“You don’t have a legal one!” I screech. “Zav pulled it out of his ass for you.”
Valen gives a small smirk. “Actually, his friend who acquired it says it’s perfectly legitimate if I get pulled over.”
“Why didn’t you just wait and take the driving test for real? That way there’s nothing illegal about it. You know you’d pass,” I scoff.
“What is the fun in that? It was faster this way.” There’s a glint in his eye that does something funny to my stomach. I like seeing him like this—smiley and happy and acting like there’s no longer an immeasurable weight on his shoulders.
Rolling my eyes, I turn my attention to the window and watch the trees pass. “Zav is rubbing off on you. Shame. What other illegal activities will you get yourself involved in next?”
Valen shrugs like it’s a serious question. “I asked for a horse with wheels license.”
I don’t even bother correcting him at this point. It’s too adorable.
“Zavier also mentioned I might be interested in a pilot’s license, since I expressed interest in a sky bus.”
I cover my face with my hands. “I am not letting you fly a plane with no true license. Think again, buddy.”
