Page 19 of The Bonding Games: Part 2

He continues, “He’s only interested in you and your interactions with us, right? He wouldn’t think to watch us alone. It’s just that we’re usually always together that he’s discovered so much about us. But wouldn’t the cameras be following you specifically and simply catching us in the process?”

She stares at him.

Tiger brightens more as if the attention is paradise for him. Enthusiasm radiating off of him, he brings his hands, hers still cocooned in his, under his chin, and bats his lashes at her, familiar stars in his bright blue eyes. It’s amazing what being back in our Bonded’s company and being able to act ourselves again with her has done for him. “I’m right, right?! So we can help you! Like undercover ninja dudes—”

“Absolutely not.” Her voice lashes through the air savagely.

“But, Ezzy—”

Her slim fingers are curled mercilessly around his neck in the next second, dragging him close so that their faces pause just inches apart. I tense along with Alby and Scotty either side of me. “I am trying to keep you safe. Why must you be so difficult?” she hisses furiously.

My shoulders loosen a fraction, warmth suffusing through me.

Mouth popping open, Tiger gapes at her. “Oh . . .” he breathes. Then beams, tossing his arms around her. “I love you, too, Deadly Nightshade!”

“That was not a declaration of love.”

He only hums in response to her stiff words, burying his face in her chest.

Lips thinning, Ezla sits there rigidly. It’s an effort to keep my amusement in, and, as if sensing it, a death glare slowly comes to rest on me.

I raise my palms up beside my head in mock defence.

“Watch it, Cooper.”

My mouth twitches up on one corner. “Or what, Vengeance?”

Excited for drama, Tiger pulls back, though he keeps his arms around HC. She doesn’t object, and she’d be a bloody liar to say a part of her isn’t enjoying his hug.

Staring me down, my blood heats in response, and I wait for her to come and deliver the punishment I know she’s been itching to since my vilest comment a few days ago. Those particular words over all the others are the ones that have truly made me hate myself, and honestly, even though I might challenge Ezla, I’m ready for whatever she wants to give me. Doesn’t matter that I had to be so cruel, I’m disgusted with myself that I could even think to suggest she’d ever want what her sperm donor does to her.

But she doesn’t even scold me, only says deliberately as if trying to ensure the words sink into our brains, “You will not be going into the Techtis Council building. You would not be able to without me by your side, and that certainly will not be happening. Even if there were not cameras, there is such tight security that you would never reach the penthouse I share with Father on the top floor.”

“Joseph,” I mutter, and she rolls her eyes.

“I understand your desire to help, but the best you can do for me here is act as you have been.”

“So you expect us to sit here and do nothing?”

Her response is dispassionate. “No. You will continue to train.”

I scowl. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“Stop glaring at my Havoc,” Tate rumbles darkly at the same time Tiger evidently decides it’s his time as he attempts to pull Vengeance into his lap. Does he have a fucking death wish?

“Unhand me, Puppy.”

Pausing his movements, hands wrapped around her slim waist, Tiger’s voice is whiny as he pouts at her like a little kid. “Please, Ezzy.”

Her features remain unflinchingly blunt.

“Pretty please . . . I miss you. I just want you a little closer . . . You feel so far . . .” Some vulnerability seeps out of him, and everyone knows he doesn’t mean physical distance.

Our Bonded’s mask twitches. “I am right here.”

“But it doesn’t feel like it. It’s all wrong . . .” Alby whispers his first words in a while, nearly inaudible. His head hangs low as he nervously looks up at Ezla from beneath dark lashes.

Another moment passes by where she only sits there, back straight, hands clasped tidily on her thighs, always so flawlessly poised. Then, on Tiger’s next experimental gentle tug, she lets him pull her into his lap.