Training started unexpectedly well.Maybe because MJ had rounded up my squad and told them to hit the weights, or it could be the giant grin, swollen lips, and rosy cheeks gracing my best friend’s face. He glowed with dazed happiness, as if he were reliving the moment. He had to be. Otherwise, I had no idea how to explain why he hadn’t changed stations and kept lifting a barbell with no weight on it.
Sliding up beside him, I waved a hand in front of his face.
“Must’ve been some kiss.”
“Oh, it was. Started here”—he pointed at his mouth, then lowered his hand—“and traveled all the way down to?—”
“If you say balls, I’m going to shove you outside and order you to run ten miles by yourself.”
He laughed.
“I’m happy for you.”
“Me too. Next time I’ll tell him how I feel.”
Wait, what?
“I thought that was what you did?”
His head bobbed side to side.
“I mean… kinda, if you count jumping his bones as expressing my feelings. But no talking was done. Except for a quickgot to goat the end.”
“Oliver!” I exclaimed.
That explained why he’d decided against clothes. He’d intended it to work out exactly like it did and forgo the emotional vulnerability altogether.
“Sam can’t be another fling. I promise I’ll find your sister,” I said, lowering my voice so no one else would hear.
He slumped.
“Have you tried?”
“Yes, but I haven’t connected. I’m still learning.”
I ignored the sudden guilt over keeping my previous dream-walk from him. I needed solid answers first.
“Are we going to do this all day while you two gossip, or are you actually going to try to lead us?” Rissa bit out.
A jolt of adrenaline shot through my body. My thoughts scrambled. Heat bled into my cheeks. I searched the arena for MJ, needing guidance. More like needing her to tell me what to do. How to do it. When to do it.
Unfortunately, she stood with Ronen near the outside doors, talking to their Dreads and the Nightmares. Based on Ronen’s anxiety and stony expression, it wasn’t a good conversation. I’d find no help from them. Nor from Aspen, who sat near the Devils as they paired off for hand-to-hand matches.
I didn’t know whether to be pleased he didn’t want to train or worried.
Like before, Oliver turned me around.
“I’m your eyes, remember?”
“How about the leader too?”
He flashed adon’t look at meexpression.
“May I suggest pairing us up for the weapons range? Until youfigure things out, it may be best to use Moira’s routine. Then there’s no pressure to do anything new right this instant,” Ichi said quietly beside me.
That was a great idea.
“Okay.” I cleared my throat.
