Page 314 of Cross Checked
Ryan’s expression shifted. “Need help?”
I gave him a flat look.
He raised both hands. “You’re training every day. I know. You’re a beast. Don’t emotionally body-check me.”
“Too late.”
Charm grinned. “I’ll get Aura.”
“No,” I said. “I will.”
I crossed the room without pain stealing my breath, which still felt like a victory even after months of victories. My body moved differently now, more aware of itself, maybe, but strong. Healing. Mine again.
Bliss caught sight of me coming and immediately narrowed her eyes because suspicion was apparently her love language.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Walking.”
“You’re doing that face.”
“What face?”
“The one where you look organized and dangerous.”
My father coughed into his glass.
Daniel looked down.
Ryan suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.
Bliss’s eyes narrowed more. “Why is everyone weird?”
“Everyone is always weird,” Briggs said around a mouthful of bread. “This room is a clinical study.”
Aura stepped close enough to press something into my palm without Bliss seeing. The marble was cool and smooth against my skin, and for one second, the weight of it nearly brought me back to that hospital chapel, to Bliss crying over Nevers she could not survive collecting, to the way grief had shaped her life and somehow still failed to steal her light.
I closed my fingers around it.
Bliss saw the movement immediately. “What is that?”
“Secret business.”
“No.”
“Pip.”
“No, I know that voice. That is the same voice you used before the glass kiss, before the kitchen incident, and before youtold me you fell in love with me in front of an entire breakfast audience.”
“Strong greatest-hits list.”
“Cade.”
I stepped closer and took her hand.
The room shifted behind her. Not dramatically, not enough for her to turn, but enough that I felt everyone go quiet at the same time.
Bliss felt it too.
