Page 62 of Warrior

I’m not on drugs. I told him that.

It’s the worst lie in the history of lies, but still.

It’s actually kind of nice, not giving a shit about his freak-out. I lean my hip on the counter and watch him.

“Reese.” I finally push off and step in front of him. I grab his wrists. “I’m okay. Maybe Gabriel planted it to sabotage me.”

“Yes.” He latches on to that. “Oh God, when will his manipulations end?”

He sways and presses his forehead to mine.

“It’s okay,” I soothe. I release his wrists and rub his arms. “We figured him out.”

“Yeah.” He kisses my cheek.

“Now… we should really get back to Sterling Falls.”

He straightens. “You want to go back?”

I huff. “My whole life is there.”

“Okay…” He seems to debate. “Do you want to see your brother while you’re here?”

Do I?

He, Jace, and Wolfe might see through me. I pretend to think about it, counting to ten in my head, and finally frown.

“They’re fulfilling your favor, aren’t they?” I tap his chest. “Saving someone?”

Reese nods. “If they’re successful, yeah.”

“Then we shouldn’t distract them. The sooner they finish, the sooner they’ll be home.”

So… we do just that. We leave Emerald Cove.

I sit in the passenger seat of my car and watch the unfamiliar city flash past my window, and I have the oddest experience of wanting to jump out. To explore it more, to justseeit.

But I don’t, and soon we’re on the two-lane highway that leads back to Sterling Falls.

We leave my brother behind, and I easily bat away the guilt that creeps up. He doesn’t need me like I need Sterling Falls. He’s so wrapped up in his family, it doesn’t even matter.

Right?

At some point, I doze off. I come to when Reese touches my shoulder, and I bolt upright.

“We’re back at your condo,” he tells me. “I figured you’d rather walk than have me carry you up…”

I nod. Really, though, I’d rather be anywhere but here. When I climb out, I pause and stare at my bike.

The last time I was on it… Gabriel and I were going to the toll house. He was driving. So how did he get it back here? And why?

An uncomfortable feeling crawls over me, but I don’t show it. God knows Reese would see and misinterpret it. But if Gabriel did something to my bike… I just know it’ll be a while before I get back on it.

I beat Reese to the elevator, although I wait for him to arrive with my car keys. He scans the fob that will allow us to hit the button up to my floor, and ride in silence.

“Is the sex making things awkward?” I ask.

He winces.

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