I graduated top of my class, and I work hard. For years, I’ve been the first one here and the last one to leave, constantly striving and pushing myself to be better. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t. Aziel doesn’t operate that way. He’s given me nothing.
“Well?” I tap my fingers against my desk, waiting for Rexton to answer. “Have you?”
Rexton nods. “I have. You bring up a good point, and I agree there’s merit in moving the bases farther north. I’d like to hear more before meeting with the larger group this afternoon.”
Excitement flares, but I tamp it down. Rexton isn’t agreeing to anything, but having him on my side is a huge benefit. The generals don’t love my ideas, but Rexton has their favor. They love him, practically creaming their pants whenever he steps into the room. The generals are some of the angriest people I’ve ever met, but they turn into giddy, lovestruck fools for Rexton.
“What would you like to know?” I ask.
“Everything.” Rexton stands, drawing attention to his height. His loose robes hide his muscular frame, but I know it exists. He’s not to be underestimated. “I have a model of the mountainrange set up in Aziel’s meeting room. I’d love to look it over with you.”
I’ve been avoiding Aziel’s meeting room. He has the best modeling equipment, but it’s directly beside his office. He’ll overhear me, and he’ll find an excuse to pop in once he realizes it’s only Rexton and me inside.
I’ve successfully managed to avoid seeing my father this past month, and I’m in no hurry to change that. Aziel is dead to me. Silas is dead to me. My relationship with Gray and Mom are okay, but not great. They’re the only two I tolerate.
I bite into my pastry as I consider Rexton’s request, weighing the pros and cons. It would be nice to examine a model of the mountain range as we discuss options. The generals won’t be pleased about any proposed changes this late into the project, so Rexton and I should come to them with as much information as possible.
I don’t wish to speak to Aziel, but I can’t avoid him forever.
“All right.” I shove the remainder of my pastry into my mouth, not caring if the action is unattractive. “Let’s go.”
Rexton raises his brows, his gaze falling to my mouth. He’s judging me. I don’t care. I’m trying to earn his trust, not his undying love. Him catching intimate feelings would benefit my cause, but I’m not aiming for that.
I’m beginning to believe Rexton is avoidingallintimate relationships. As far as I’m aware, he hasn’t shown the slightest interest in any woman since returning, and I’ve heard no rumors of secret affairs. He’s uptight, so I’m aiming for friendship.
I didn’t anticipate it being this damn hard.
—————
A model of the mountain range is already running as we step into Aziel’s meeting room. I shut the door after Rexton enters soAziel doesn’t happen to walk past and see me. I doubt it will keep him out, but it’s worth a try.
A three-dimensional, holographic model of the mountain range spans the entire length of the table in the center of the room. I mess with the settings until it’s no longer translucent. I prefer it to appear solid.
The proposed bases Rexton and the generals have been discussing have been marked red, and I give them a quick scan before moving north. The mountains are jagged and unforgiving, including the terrain surrounding them. Building in most spots is nearly impossible, and the underground lava pits even further limit us.
“This is where I was thinking,” I say. I point to the spot I’ve been secretly eyeing for the past few weeks. “The mountain is thinner so the bases and tunnels will have to be smaller, but it’s historically been a popular area for Greed’s troops to cross.”
Rexton hums, quietly evaluating the spot. Then he moves to the dial on the wall, adjusting the settings to show weather patterns. I’ve assessed this spot from every possible angle, and I already know what he’s about to find.
“There’s too much rain runoff,” Rexton says. “We can’t build a base in a location that’s actively eroding.”
I frown. “It isn’tactively eroding. It’s—”
“No.”
I clamp my jaw shut and bite my tongue so hard, it bleeds. Who the fuck does Rexton think he is? He’s not listening to me, and he’s dismissing my ideas as if I were a wayward pest to be flicked away.
Rexton moves forward, still evaluating my suggested location. “It’s not abadspot, but the generals will never go for it. Let’s keep looking.”
I shake my head. “The generals respect your opinion. They’ll never go for it if I recommend it, but they’ll consider it if you back me.”
Rexton’s gaze flickers in my direction. There’s pity in his expression, but I turn away before determining for sure. I don’t care what Rexton thinks of me, and I sure as fuck don’t need his pity. I read his file. He’s the one who deserves pity.
Rexton walks around the table, evaluating the model. He’s looking for alternatives. There aren’t many.
He eventually pauses beside me, his shoulder brushing against mine. The touch immediately puts me on edge.
“What about here?” he asks.
