Page 42 of Connor

He just didn’t know what.

***

When we got back to my apartment, he lingered near the door, crossing his arms as he studied me. "You sure you’re okay?"

I forced a smile, but my chest was tight. "I’m fine, Vic."

His eyes narrowed slightly. Like he didn’t quite believe me. But he didn’t push. He just exhaled, nodding slowly. "Okay. Just… let me know if you need anything, alright?"

I nodded quickly. "I will."

I wouldn’t.

"Heading off to work?" I asked, my voice light, casual. Anything to distract him.

"Yeah," he said after a beat. "See you later?"

"Yep," I lied.

He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t call me out on it. Instead, he just gave me a lingering look before finally stepping out the door.I pressed my back against the closed door, my fingers curling around the hem of my hoodie.

I just needed to get through today.

That was all.

I pushed off the door and moved on autopilot, slipping into my bedroom to grab my bag before heading back out. I needed air. I needed space. I needed—I didn’t know what I needed, but I knew that I still had a few things I had to research at the library so that should keep me busy until I could figure it out.

Chapter 13

Connor

The scent of garlic and butter lingered in the air, mixing with the sharp bite of freshly brewed coffee. North had actually cooked—which was rare—but from the way Quinn was curled into his side, grinning up at him like he’d hung the damn moon, you’d think he’d just saved a litter of puppies.

“I’m just saying,” Quinn murmured, dragging her finger through the condensation on her glass, “this is the first time in months you’ve made something that didn’t involve a takeout container.”

North smirked, lifting his mug to his lips. “If I’d known you were this easy to impress, I’d have put in the effort sooner.”

Vic groaned. “Jesus. Can you two keep it in your pants for five minutes?”

Quinn just beamed, pressing a quick kiss to North’s jaw before going back to her food. I stared at my plate, barely touching it, while Vic sat across from me, absently swirling the water in his glass, watching the ice clink against the sides.

“Anyway,” Vic drawled, cutting into his steak. “Before I was blinded by whatever the hell that was—Quinn, you still thinking about getting your master’s?”

She perked up immediately. “Yeah. I mean, maybe. I haven’t decided if I want to stay in Reverence or move somewhere new.”

North scoffed. “She’s staying.”

Vic raised a brow. “That right?”

“North,” she huffed. “Stop.”

He chewed, looking completely unbothered. “You love when I steal your fries.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she sighed dramatically and pushed her plate closer, like she was resigning herself to a fate she had long since accepted.

Vic grimaced. “That’s disgusting.”

North just shrugged. “She knew what she was signing up for.”

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