Page 92 of Rook
Avery opened her mouth, but Lacey cut in.
“They’re together,” she said firmly.
Avery’s eyes widened. “Lacey…”
Lacey winked. “Trust me. It’s better if they know.”
Tessa nodded. “Yeah, girl. If you don’t say it, they’ll assume he’s fair game.”
Avery stiffened. “He’s not.”
The women exchanged satisfied looks.
Katie grinned. “There it is.”
Avery flushed. “I didn’t mean…”
“You meant it,” Lacey said gently. “And that’s okay.”
Avery looked down at her hands. “I just… I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
Lacey snorted. “Honey, the only toes you’re stepping on are the ones who thought they had a chance with Rook.”
Avery blinked. “Did they?”
Katie laughed. “Oh, yes. Every woman in this room has looked at him at least once.”
Avery’s stomach twisted.
Lacey leaned in. “But he’s never looked back. Not once.”
Avery’s breath caught.
Lacey continued, voice softening. “He’s been waiting for you. We all knew it. Even if he didn’t.”
Avery swallowed hard. “I’m scared.”
Tessa nodded. “Of the Reapers?”
Avery shook her head. “Of losing him.”
The women went quiet.
Then Katie squeezed her hand. “You’re not losing him. That man would walk through fire for you.”
Lacey added, “And if the Reapers try anything? They’ll have to go through all of us.”
Avery blinked. “You’d help?”
Lacey smiled. “You’re with Rook. That makes you family.”
Avery’s chest tightened.
Family.
She hadn’t felt like she belonged anywhere in a long time.
Before she could respond, the front door opened, and every woman in the room turned.
