Page 187 of Damsel in Disguise

“Actually,” he says thoughtfully, “he does have a point.”

I turn to him in disbelief. “Now you too?”

Then again, Adrian wasn’t exactly judging blindly.

He had known what Alistair truly was before I did. Before I discovered hidden laboratories, impossible technology, and truths that sounded more like science fiction than reality.

If anyone earned the right to be suspicious, it’s him.

“I’m just saying,” Adrian shrugs. “I’ve seen his videos. Nobody should be that cheerful while discussing circuit analysis.”

“See?” Asher points at him immediately. “Even Adrian agrees,” and gives him a thumbs up.

Judging from his reaction so far and the fact that neither of us has been murdered yet by Asher, I’m very certain Adrian kept his word.

Asher still has no idea that months ago, I asked Adrian to investigate Alistair for me.

“Adrian agrees because he enjoys causing problems,” I say.

“Also true,” he agrees with a touch of sarcasm.

I groan and drop my head back against the couch.

The two of them exchange a look that immediately puts me on edge. That’s never a good sign.

Whenever they start communicating silently, someone usually ends up arrested, threatened, blackmailed, or emotionally damaged.

The last one is usually me.

“Ari,” the use of my nickname instantly confirms my suspicion.

I squint at Asher. “What?”

“You know you could’ve done better, right?”

I blink. Seriously?!

“Way better.”

I blink again. “Excuse me?”

“Asher means—”

“No, I don’t,” Asher cuts Adrian off. “I mean exactly what I said.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “You’re judging my choice?”

“I’m rating your standards.”

“You don’t get to have standards to judge my standards.”

“I’m your brother. That’s literally my job.”

I throw a cushion at him. He catches it effortlessly.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“And yet I’m still right.”