‘I know you’re angry, and I know you’re hurt, but watch your tone.’
‘Why?Are you gonna hurt me?’
‘I’d no sooner hurt you than myself, but your head’s a mess and I need you thinking slow and clear so we can get through this.It’smyresponsibility to get that book back from Tanner now.You’re going to help me.’
‘Not until we talk properly.’
‘I need to get the boys back in.’
‘So let’s talk somewhere else.’Kade waits, heart beating fast.
‘Fine,’ Riley says at length, unwilling but earnest.‘Let’s talk.’
?
Riley prefers Kade’s room whenever they speak freely as best friends, although it’s been happening less and less lately.
Something feels different between them.
Ever since before Kade can remember, Riley has been his anchor, his mainstay, his guiding star.North was whichever way Riley said it was.
Kade goes to his window and sits fully on the wide sill.Riley pushes a hand through his hair, then perches opposite him where there’s room, their knees meeting in the middle.This is how they sit sometimes.It’s just about the most childlike thing he ever sees Riley do.
‘Why didn’t you tell me about the Hush thing?’
‘You shouldn’t have been trying to leave via the grounds.It’s dangerous.’
‘You nevertoldme about it.’
‘I’ve never tried it myself.I didn’t know how it felt.’
‘Riley.’
‘Kade,just listen.’
‘But you’re not telling me anything.You’re just making excuses.Look, if it was something to dissuade people from sneaking out or whatever—’
‘It wasn’t.No one tries to sneak out.’
‘Just me.’
‘You go outside more than anyone.I didn’t want people getting close.It’s a good security measure and we leave through the tunnels.’
‘Then why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I’m your boss.’
‘You’re my best friend.’
‘But your bossfirst.You know that.’
‘I thought I had some kind of disorder.With the…’ Kade frowns, thumb pressing into his wrist.‘The bad feelings, y’know.It made sense.’He looks at Riley, whose steady gaze rests on him.‘Did you let me think I had PTTCD so I wouldn’t try to leave the grounds?’
Riley looks out at the darkening horizon.The faint scribble of city in the distance catches in his blue eyes.‘There are things I can’t tell you.’
‘You can be honest with me, Riley.You can tell me anything.’
‘Kade, you have no idea how hard I’ve worked to keepeveryonesafe.Not just you or me.Iron Star.This whole fucking city.’Kade stares through the glass as night creeps in.‘I tell you what I can, what Iknowfor certain.’
