I really should reschedule this meeting. The council—some of my closest friends and allies—can always tell when my mind is in another place, and it’s no secret I’ve been distracted lately. Since bringing Delilah here, she’s all I’ve been able to think about, all I’ve been able to focus on. She’s the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing on my mind before I fall asleep. She even occupies my dreams.
But there’s a lot to discuss in light of Gabriel’s public broadcast and his connection to Delilah and what it could mean for the camp, thus today’s meeting in addition to our regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
The other members are already here and seated around the campfire. V, Benji, Bec, plus Wesley—an ivy league graduate and ex-stockbroker who happens to be the biggest cynic I know—and Cam, aformer green beret who deserted once they realized the government was in bed with the Brotherhood. Their special forces training and expertise have come in handy more than once, especially when it comes to predicting the military’s next moves, and more importantly, how to avoid a confrontation.
“Sorry I’m late.” I grunt as the fabric of the camp chair stretches to accommodate my frame.
Wes rolls his eyes. “It’s fine. We know the wife is high maintenance.”
“The wife has a name.” I glare at him. “And she’s coming around.”
“Why is she even still here?” he questions. “I thought she wanted to leave.”
Bec cuts in before I have a chance to respond. “Have you spent any time with her, Wes? She’s actually not that bad once you get to know her.”
“Her personality is irrelevant,” he snaps. “The whole point of keeping her around is to broker a deal with the Brotherhood.”
“She’s not a pawn in one of your chess games, Wesley.” My fists clench. “I won’t let you sacrifice her for whatever you think she’s worth exchanging.”
“She’s a high lord’s wife, Stetson. And according to the broadcast your buddy Gabriel sent out, they’re willing to do anything to get her back. It would be a waste to abdicate the high ground here.”
“It’s not up for discussion,” I practically growl.
“Let’s all take a breath,” V suggests. “As long as she follows our rules, Mrs. Sinclair is welcome here as long as she pleases, just like everyone else.”
“Does she have any useful information? We haven’t had a lead in months.” Cam’s been working closely with Benji to analyze the data I pulled from the night of the masquerade to no avail.
I shake my head. “I haven’t exactly been interrogating her. She’s been through enough as it is.”
They hold up their hands in acquiescence. “Totally valid. But it’s worth considering if she does want to help.”
No sooner than the words leave their lips does another voice sound from behind me. “I want to help.”
I look over my shoulder to find Delilah looking slightly puffy-eyed as her chest rises and falls rapidly, as if she ran here. She crosses her arms and raises her chin, refusing to balk under the council’s scrutinizing gazes, anddamnif it doesn’t steal my breath right out of my lungs. If I found her attractive before, seeing her all fired up and ready to take her life back only makes me want her more.
Wesley, unsurprisingly, is the first to speak. “No offense, Mrs. Sinclair. But, why should we trust you?”
She doesn’t miss a beat. “Because my eyes are open, and I want revenge as much as the rest of you.”
V offers a sympathetic look. “Revenge is a dangerous goal. Hate often blinds us, clouds our judgement.”
“The Resistance aims to liberate and reform. If we sought revenge against everyone in New Athens who’s wronged us, we’d all be dead and the oppressed women there would be no more free than they are now.” Wesley might not have ever been a member of the Brotherhood, but he still possesses that same condescending tone that makes you want to punch him in the face. But, he knows better than anyone what being hellbent on getting revenge can cost…
I can tell Delilah’s biting her tongue as she stares daggers at Wes. Bec saves me from an intervention. “We’re all grateful for your willingness to help, Della. Can you tell us anything about the Brotherhood’s inner workings? Anything we wouldn’t already know?”
She bites her lip, her eyes dropping to the ground. “They don’t tell us much.”
Bec smiles encouragingly, not that Delilah sees it. “They keep wives in the dark on purpose. You can take time to think about it, write down anything you think might be useful.”
Delilah raises her head, her eyes locking with mine. “What if…” She swallows. “What if the best way I can be useful is to become one of your spies?”
“Absolutely not.” The words leave my mouth before I’ve even had a chance to process them.
“You’ve never had a wife for a spy before,” she states confidently. “I could be a real asset.”
I stand, unsure what else to do with the discomfort jolting through my body. “It’s too dangerous.”
“I can handle it.” She crosses her arms, staring me down as if we’re the only two people present.
