Page 43 of Scornful

"Slow down," Geirolf says, squeezing my hand. "What documents?"

I'm so focused on telling him that I don't notice Magnus watching us until he clears his throat loudly.

"You're tryin' to die, dumbass," Magnus says to Geirolf, but his eyes are on our joined hands.

Horror washes through me as I realize what I've done.

I drop Geirolf's hand like it's on fire, but it's too late.

Magnus has seen enough.

"Magnus," I start, panic rising. "Please?—"

"You're both fuckin’ idiots," he continues, shaking his head. "Fenrir finds out about this, it's your funeral, brother."

"You can't tell him," I beg. "Please, Magnus. It's not... we're not..."

Magnus's voice is harsh, but I know he’s only concerned. "Not what? Not sneaking around behind the VP's back? Not riskin’ everything for some ass?"

"It's not like that," Geirolf says quietly, his jaw tight.

Magnus snorts. "Right. That's why she's grabbing your hand in broad daylight where anyone could see."

"Please," I say again, hating how desperate I sound. "Don't tell my father. I'm begging you."

Magnus stares at us for a long moment, the October wind whipping around us, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and rain that’s supposed to hit this evening.

I can see him weighing his options—does he tell my father, or does he let it play out naturally?

"I won't say shit," he finally says. "But this is gonna come out sooner rather than later, and when it does..." He shakes his head. "I hope she's worth it, brother."

With that, he walks away, leaving Geirolf and me standing there in the aftermath of our carelessness.

"Fuck," Geirolf mutters, running a hand through his hair. "We need to be more careful."

"I'm sorry," I say, misery washing through me. "I was scared, and I just... I wasn't thinking."

"Hey." He steps closer but doesn't touch me, aware now of who might be watching. "It's okay. Magnus won't say anything. He's solid."

"That's three people who know now," I point out. "Tor, Magnus, and Ingrid. How long before everyone figures it out?"

"We'll handle it," he says, but I can see the worry in his eyes. "Now tell me about these documents. What did you find?"

I fill him in quickly, glancing around to make sure we're still alone.

His expression grows darker with every word.

"I should’ve known that asshole was up to no good. Already knew about shit with you, but damn…"

CHAPTER SEVEN

Geirolf

"Geirolf, get your ass in here!"

Fenrir's voice cuts through the air like a blade, and I know from his tone that this isn't going to be a friendly chat.

My eyes meet Astrid's for a split second—fear and uncertainty swirling in those sage green depths.

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