Page 15 of Wraith
When Liam turned to look at Amelia, it was almost with the expression as if he’d forgotten she was there. She was the third wheel again. With a deep breath, she walked around the vehicle with a smile pasted to her lips and an extended hand.
“I’m the Blackbird.” Amelia hissed then instantly regretted it. She said the phrase with too much venom. All she could hope was Liam didn’t hear it.
Lili arched a brow then glanced over her shoulders. “Come inside.”
After Lili disappeared into the house, Liam grabbed Amelia’s arm.
“What was that?” Liam asked, his voice cold.
“What?”
“I’m not stupid, Amelia. I heard the way you said those words.”
“That’s what I am to you, right? The Blackbird?”
Liam eyed her. “I’m trying to save your life. If you want to act like a petulant child, tell me now so I can leave you here and be on my way. Don’t waste my time.”
Amelia shrugged from his grasp and stormed up the steps and into the house. It was small, but warm. She removed her boots out of respect just as she heard Liam’s footsteps behind her.
Lili brought them coffee and some food and the three sat to eat.
“Okay,” Lili said. “What do you want me to do?”
“We need a place to lay low for three days,” Liam said. “And take care of Doc until I come back.”
“You know I have the space,” Lili said. “But you two will have to share a room.”
“I don’t think…” Amelia started.
“…I’ll take the sofa,” Liam interrupted.
“Um…” Lili looked from Amelia to Liam before tilting her head. “You two—.”
“—No!” Liam said gruffly. “And Doc?”
“You are coming back, right?” Lili asked.
Amelia didn’t have to be a telepath to know what Lili’s question meant. There was a chance Liam could die—she realized that now, but she remained silent.
“I plan to,” Liam said. “I have Tex in my ear. You know he’d never let anything happen to me.”
“You’re talking like Tex is God.” Lili sounded irritated. “What if you need back up? I can’t come to you and Wolf and his gang could be in big trouble for rushing to help.”
“Lil…” Liam’s voice was soft as he reached over and tapped her nose with a finger. “I’ll be careful—I promise.”
Lili didn’t seem convinced. She exhaled loudly. “Doc has a home here, you know this. You packing?”
“Always.”
“What about when you get there?”
Liam nodded. “Yeah. Tex is hooking me up. I have a care package in Kurgan.”
“What about the Blackbird?”
“I’m sitting right here people,” Amelia said, lifting both hands above her head. “Right here.”
“Coming with me.” Liam went on as if she hadn’t said anything. “It’s safer for everyone. The last thing I need is for them to come knocking after I’m gone. I had to leave the cabin in a hurry, if you know what I mean.”
