Page 38 of BounBound By Scars

“Thought what?” She prodded.

I let out a sharp exhale. “You thought I’d end up dating Kabir at some point, didn’t you?”

Leora’s expression was pure disbelief, like she couldn’t believe I was actually saying it out loud.

“Listen,” I said, crossing my arms. “If it didn’t happen in the last six years, it’s not going to happen now. There’s really nothing I can do. And honestly? We’re better as friends. He’s a good friend. A great one, in fact.”

Delara cleared her throat, her voice losing some of its usual sharp edge.

“If you have even the slightest doubt, back off Sebastian. Please. He’s already going through a lot. We don’t need to add heartbreak to it.”

I rolled my eyes. “Jesus, woman! I’m not planning on hurting the man. Is that what your whole outburst was about?” I gestured between the two of us. “You’re mad because you think I’ll break your poor boss’s heart?”

Delara’s eyes widened, like she was caught between amusement and exasperation.

“You’re a blunt lot, aren’t you?” She chuckled. “First off, that man is anythingbutpoor.”You don’t have to tell me, woman.“Our whole bloody lifestyle is funded by him. Secondly, no. That week was not about that. I’ve just seen too many people make stupid mistakes because of their emotionally-driven decisions, and I didn’t want you rookies to do the same.”

Rookies?

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to punch her, start spitting fire, or laugh at the sheer audacity of it.

“We’re all special ops, Delara. What the fuck?”

Leora snorted. “I think she just meant me.”

I whipped around, playfully scowling. “You had better not, Brit! She’s getting married to Zarek. She’s special ops by association.”

“Shitting hell,” Delara groaned, rubbing her temple. “That’s not how it works.”

Leora chuckled. “Not even close.”

The tension in the air loosened slightly, enough that even Delara let out a small laugh.

“Alright, then,” Delara said, rolling her shoulders. “Since we’re all experts in different things, what expertise do you bring for the wedding planning, Amelia?”

I smirked. “Making terrible decisions.”

Leora clicked her tongue. “Self-awareness is key.”

I shot her a glare. “I’ll have you know, my terrible decisions will at least be entertaining.”

Delara raised a brow. “You mean the decision between Kabir and Sebastian?”

Oof. Wasn’tthatthe truth.

“That isnot—” I placed a hand over my heart. “You really just say things, huh?”

Leora giggled as Delara simply shrugged. “I like to cut through the bullshit.”

“Clearly.”

Delara crossed her arms. “I’m just saying, this whole thing is either going to end in absolute disaster… or complete, fiery chaos.”

Leora frowned. “Amelia’s love life or my wedding?”

I waved a hand at Leora. “Thank you! The wedding. Can we talk about that again? That was much safer.”

Leora sighed dramatically. “Oh,nowyou care?”

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