Page 110 of (Mostly) Human Resources

“It wasn’t just me.” She tried to shrug away the compliments. “I had a lot of help.”

“All Wardens do,” Nic reminded her. “Even your father.” Alexys nodded because that’s all she could manage. “You were faced with impossible choices, and you made the best decisions you could. He’d be so proud of you.” He hesitated before adding, “I’mproud of you.”

Nic’s fingers squeezed around hers, and the touch steadied her. In that moment, tucked away in the dim basement, Alexys felt peace for the first time since finding out Elliot was missing.

She knew she had a world of chaos headed her way. That life as a Warden would be incredibly destabilizing, that she’d have to leave her home, her family, her friends …Nic.But she was a little bithopeful. Once she put Elliot’s death behind her, once she got rid of Silas’s attention and dealt with Opal, then maybe her life would start to look …normal.

Nic checked his watch.

“I’m catching up with Hornsby shortly, but what do you say about a coffee at three fifteen?” Alexys smiled as she rose to her feet.

“I think I can pencil you in.”

“How kind of you.” His eyes swept over her. “And who knows, maybe I’ll even try one of those double-shot, sugar chai monstrosities you’re so fond of.”

“Hmm, I don’t know, Nic, it’s an acquired taste. I’m not sure your British palate is sophisticated enough.” She bit her cheek and turned for the door.

“Yeah, yeah,” he chuckled under his breath. “Oh, and Alexys?”

She stopped to look over her shoulder at him, unable to resist the draw of her first name in his voice. He leaned forward against his desk, chin resting on a fist.

“Yes, Nic?”

He grinned. “I look forward to talking about that kiss.”