Page 51 of Darkness I Become
A strange warmth bloomed in her chest. She couldn’t think of a less romantic setting for a first meeting, yet the fact that he’d met her eye and reallysawher there, as a human being rather than as an object, was something she’d remember for the rest of her life. It was as if he’d seen into her soul.
“That look you gave me,” she said quietly. “It was like you knew me. Like you’d been looking for me, even. But you’d never met me.”
He took a few moments to answer, sighing as she continued to press on painful points on his head and neck.
“I did feel like I knew you,” he finally said in a low voice. “Not directly, but I knew you were from the same place as me, from the same people I was supposed to protect, back when I was in the line of duty. You reminded me that I used to have a purpose.”
Her heart tugged uncomfortably. She hadn’t realized that that moment had had as much meaning for him as it had for her.
Asha frowned. “We’re not from the same place.”
“We might as well be. They’re all controlled by the same people.”
She stopped kneading. “What are? The compounds?”
“Yeah,” he replied. “Not something civilians are supposed to know, but I figure it can’t hurt to tell you now.”
“So…the Cave and the Delta are controlled by the same owners? Who are they?”
Cade tried to shrug, but gave up halfway through. “Above my pay grade. That’s one of the big secrets that nobody but those at the very top know for sure.”
They were both quiet for a while after that. She resumed the head massage, and eventually, she felt Cade’s body grow looser and heavier, his breathing deepening.
“You getting sleepy?” she asked.
He yawned. “Guess so. Feels good.”
She smiled and continued, moving down onto his neck and shoulders. She thought he’d fallen asleep, but he mumbled, “You’re my angel, Asha.”
She froze. “Why would you call me that? After everything he—”
Her voice cut off. She only associated that name with pain and torture and death. Even now, they were only on this mission because of that asshole.
The corners of Cade’s mouth lifted. “Because to me, you are. You’re sweet, and—”
“I amnotsweet,” Asha protested. “You know I’m not. Don’t lie.”
He gave what looked like a painful chuckle.
“Alright,” he admitted, amused. “Not sweet. You may not beanangel, but you’remyangel, appearing in that slave market to remind me of what I’d lost. That’s what I care about.”
Asha bit her lip. That was probably the kindest thing anyone had ever said to her.
“You’re stoned, soldier,” she quipped, and he laughed again. “Out of your mind.”
“Maybe,” he allowed. “But also, Angel shouldn’t get a monopoly on the name, considering he only uses it ironically. I’m reclaiming it.”
“Is it not his given name, then?” Asha asked, interest piqued.
“No. It’s Hoyt.”
She burst into laughter. “No, it’s not. You’re fucking with me.”
Cade grinned, eyes still covered. “I’m not. He told me once when he was plastered. Made me swear not to tell afterwards.”
Asha dissolved into more giggles. “Oh my God.”
“Don’t tell anyone,” he said playfully. “We have a reputation to protect.”
