Page 90 of The Last Call Home
Cassian looks down at his hands.He flexes them, slow and controlled, but the motion betrays more than he probably intends.Like he’s fighting the urge to hit something—or protect someone.
Or maybe he already has.I’ve seen that tension in him before—when someone crosses a line.He flexes again, knuckles whitening.Not like he’s nervous.Like he’s ready to break something or someone.
I don’t ask who.
He’s worried.
So am I.
There’s a tension in the room that settles in my chest like too much smoke.
“You want to stay for the night?”he asks, voice low, quiet in a way that feels more intimate than it should.
I glance toward the windows out of instinct.“People might see me.”
He shrugs, not even trying to argue.“Fine.Stay until she arrives.Then you can go home.”
It’s not much.Not an invitation.Not a plea.
But I take it anyway.
I nod because I need something real tonight.Something warm and breathing and close enough to make me forget that everything outside this bar is unraveling.Even if it’s just a few minutes.Even if all I get is a stolen kiss in a room that smells like whiskey and burnt cedar.
Even if it has to be enough for now.
ChapterThirty-Six
Lilah:The bar was closed last night.Is everyone okay?
Mal:Fine.
Cass:All is great.
Lilah:Liars.
Mal:We are fine.I’ll drop by later today to give you proof of life.
Cass:I can send a selfie if you’d like.
Lilah:Nysa said Blythe had to stay with her and Hopper at the ranch for a few hours.What happened?
Mal:Classified.
Lilah:Don’t do that.You can’t classify things when we’re in a relationship, Malerick Timberbridge.
Cass:Lilah, we can’t talk about it, sweetheart.Maybe soon.
Lilah:Is this about the mafiosos again?
Mal:Something like that.
Cass:Has Blythe told you about her ex?
Lilah:I’ve heard a thing or two.She’s not very open.
Mal:Then that’s her story to tell.
Lilah:Is she safe?
