Page 77 of Privilege

“You can talk to him if you want to,” I tell him. “You don’t have to ‘take care of’ me.”

Vale laughs. “I don’t want to talk to any of these idiots. They’re just trying to get information on the Forge. They’re watching us, trying to figure out why I came tonight.”

“Is the Forge having a party for the solstice?” I ask.

“Not this year.” Vale’s face is masked.

That’s right, they’re getting ready to move, so maybe they don’t have time to throw a party. Another man sidles up to us.

“Hey, Adamson, how’s it going?”

“Get out of here,” Vale grumbles, his patience breaking. “I’m busy.” The man startles and with an apologetic look Vale scoops me up and into his lap. The man gives him a knowing grin and slips off.

“Vale,” I complain lightly, laughing.

“Just eat your food, Ami.” He ducks his head next to mine. “This might give us a minute of privacy.” He ducks lower and his lips brush against my ear, by accident. “Are you okay?”

“Sure,” I tell him. “He left, so...should I get off?”

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