Page 144 of Veiled

“I can see why you two don’t share all the way. That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen,” he says, the proof of how much he liked the show evident on the scrunched-up shirt he has at his feet.

Once I’ve chugged some water and regained my footing, I carry Ana back up to our room and fall asleep, too tired to shower and too happy to care about the mission we just completed.

“Congratulations on another successful mission, you two!” Major Halden says as we walk into the vault for our debrief.

Captain Lin is sitting next to him, nodding, “Yes, your acting must have been truly impressive because the Walker that was sent in case you need backup was quite impressed. If I remember correctly, the term showstoppers was even used.”

Breaking the stoic facade, Major Halden chokes on a laugh, “I feel like that goes without saying since Annalise was able to get Mr. Blane to say that absurd code phrase.”

I hope my cheeks aren’t as red as they feel, but considering I didn’t even think of an Active Duty Ghost Walker being there with us? I don’t think that’s possible.

“You were right, Sir. She was forced to get creative,” I answer quickly to save her from having to explain what she did to get it.

“Why don’t you two take your seats, and we can get started,” Major Halden says, still trying to stifle a smile as he motions to the chairs in front of his desk.

The details of the mission pour out, Ana and I both recounting our time at the pool and during Casino Night, conveniently cutting off the story as soon as the word Daddy slipped from Julian’s lips.

Chapter fifty-two

Annalise

“Cheers, everyone!”

Our glasses clink in unison, the bright, easy sound cutting through the low tavern hum. For the first time all day, the knot in my chest loosens a little.

Aiden left this afternoon for a twenty-four-hour solo mission—his third since our mission together two weeks ago.

Recruits typically get one or two in their final months here, but since Aiden is averaging more than one a week, we’re fairly certain Halden is pushing him and Hades harder than anyone else—they’re the only bonded pair in Bravo Company, after all. Not that Aiden can confirm any of it. It’s becoming increasingly tricky to come up with an excuse to give James and Josh every time he misses a hangout.

Antonio had a mission last weekend, but since we didn’t go out as a group, James just assumed he stayed in with Sasha.

“I brought cards, or we can play Spoons while we wait for the food,” Josh says from my right, pulling two decks from his back pocket and dropping them on the table between us like it’s normal to walk around with cards.

Sasha groans. “We are absolutely not playing Spoons. I still have the bruise from the last time Matt dove across the table like he was possessed.”

“I was possessed,” Matt argues, already smug. “Possessed with the need to win.”

“You might actually be crazy, you know that, right?” Sasha fires back, but she’s already picking up one of the decks to shuffle.

“I can’t believe you guys are graduating in just over a month! You must be so ready to get out of here,” Matt says excitedly, but I don’t miss the way Antonio squeezes Sasha’s hand just a little tighter.

“Not me. This has been like a personal vacation after spending so long on the frontline.”

“I wish they would’ve let you join Charlie Company,” I say with a pout. “I don’t want them to take you away so soon.”

“You make it sound like he’s being carted off to prison, Lee. We’re the criminals, remember? He’s just going back to war.”

“I want the nice man to stay in our prison a little longer, Mattey. Please”

A straw wrapper hits me in the face, James smiling sweetly at me, “Are you two done? I want to get our food order in before the kitchen closes.”

“Party pooper.”

“I’m sorry, who was the only person to jump in the ocean at the beach party?”

Antonio’s scoff has James spinning toward him, “I didn’t see you get in, Antonio. Actually, now that I think about it, I didn’t see much of him or Sasha. How about you guys?”

“I’m so excited to go shopping tomorrow, aren’t you, Lee?” Sasha says, her face pink as she changes the topic.