Page 16 of Viper's Salvation
Emma laughs at my expression. "Criminal forensics, actually. I'm at school in Boston, just home for a bit. I go back in a few days for exams."
"FBI," I repeat, looking between her and Reaper across the room. "And your dad's okay with that?"
"He's warming up to it," Emma says with a grin. "The irony isn't lost on any of us."
My head is spinning trying to reconcile all of this. The president's daughter studying to be a federal agent. The terrifying VP playing with a child. Everyone acting like we're just a normal group planning a normal outing.
"Here, eat something," Kelly says, placing a plate of pancakes in front of me. "You must be starving."
I pick up a fork, suddenly realizing how hungry I actually am. "So, everyone's going to this picnic? All the... girlfriends too?"
"Partners, kids," Kelly confirms, sitting next to me. "It's like a whole family thing. Isn't it great?"
I glance at her as I eat, noting the brightness in her eyes, the ease in her posture. She looks happy, genuinely happy, in a way I haven't seen since we were kids.
"You really like it here," I say. It's not a question.
"I do." She glances toward Blade, who's talking with Reaper by the door. "I know it's fast, Amy. I know it probably seems crazy to you. But..."
"But when you know, you know?" I finish for her.
She looks surprised, then smiles. "Yeah, exactly. There's just something about him. About all of them, really. They might look scary and do some questionable things, but they're good people where it counts."
I'm not convinced, but I can't deny the evidence in front of me. These men rescued us, killed our captors, and are now including us in what appears to be a family gathering without hesitation.
As if summoned by my thoughts, Viper walks in, and my stomach does a strange little flip at the sight of him, which I immediately blame on hunger.
"Morning," he says, those green eyes taking in my appearance. "You look better."
"Amazing what a shower and clean clothes can do," I reply, aiming for lightness.
"Viper's riding with us to the lake," Kelly informs me. "Well, you're riding with him. You okay on a motorcycle with your ribs?"
The memory of yesterday's ride flashes through my mind. The vibration of the engine, the wind in my face, the solid warmth of Viper's body against mine. It had hurt, yes, but it had also made me feel alive in a way I'd forgotten was possible.
"I'll manage," I say, finishing the last of my pancakes.
"We can take one of the cars if it's too much," Viper offers, leaning against the doorframe. "Your call."
"The bike is fine," I insist. I'm not sure why it matters to me, but it does.
He nods, a hint of approval in his eyes. "We're heading out in about twenty minutes. Anything you need before then?"
"I'm good," I say, though "good" is relative these days. Better than yesterday, at least.
Kelly gives me a look I can't quite decipher, her eyes darting between Viper and me.
"I'll go make sure Blade packed the sunscreen," she says, standing up. "He told me he burns like crazy." She squeezes my shoulder as she passes. "See you outside."
Once she's gone, Viper takes her seat across from me. "You don't have to go if you're not up for it," he says quietly. "No one would think less of you for needing time."
The consideration catches me off guard. "I want to go," I say, surprised to find it's true. "I've been locked inside for days. Fresh air sounds... nice."
"If it gets to be too much… The people, the noise, whatever, just say the word and I'll bring you back. No questions asked."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" The question slips out before I can stop it.
Viper doesn't flinch from it. "Because you've had enough shit to deal with. Because you stood up to a gun at your head without breaking. Because you deserve something good after what you've been through."
