“Shit. We didn’t know where you were, and—”
“I know. Ozrik trusts him, but Olivia? I think the show has an inkling, and I’m afraid they’re going to try to expose me.”
I told her about my interview and everything Hugh said off camera.
“Did he threaten you?”
“No. It sounded like he was fishing for information and may be riding a hunch. I don’t know.”
“He wants you scared. That asshole was trying to get us to turn on one another. Most of it was bullshit lies. I wouldn’t worry about him. I doubt he knows anything, and if he does, he can’t prove it.”
Olivia ruffled my hair. “Everyone went to the restaurant to eat. You should join us. You barely ate this morning after yourwalk.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “And that must have been exhausting.”
I shoved her. “Shut up. Don’t be gross. It was a walk. That’s the story, and I’m sticking to it.”
“I know different,” she sing-songed. “Come on. Food.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Oz is worried about you. I’ve been watching him all afternoon, and he’s exercising a lot of restraint by not coming over here and breaking your door down. You don’t want him to do that.”
In the end, I let my sister drag me to the restaurant.
28
Ozrik
Agust of wind rolled through the restaurant door when Olivia opened it, drawing my attention from the conversation around the table. It sent napkins fluttering to the ground. Lex scrambled after them as customers turned their heads to the windows and the coming storm.
Gale entered behind his sister, and our gazes caught. We exchanged a brief smile before he looked away, cheeks reddening. He’d avoided me all day, and I understood. He was freaked out, and rightfully so. Between the sex and the close call, he had a lot to process. We needed to be more careful, for Gale’s sake.
I purposefully took the spot at the end of the table, anticipating his arrival. I had space to drag an extra chair over, so he could sit near me if he wanted. The only other spot was near Jazz, and Gale’s hatred for Jazz wasn’t exactly a secret.
“There’s a spot here.” I motioned, hoping Olivia wouldn’t jump at the opportunity.
She didn’t and motioned for Gale to take the seat while she aimed for the one between Jazz and Roe. I assumed by the look she gave me that she had learned Gale’s secret. I was glad. The more people he opened up to, the more comfortable he would feel.
Gale sat and eyed everyone before addressing me with a quiet, “Hey.”
“Hey. How did your interview go with Hugh?”
Gale rolled his eyes. “It was fine. The guy’s a jerk.”
I eyed the camera crew, who had followed us to the restaurant. Hugh’s lens was focused on Gale and me.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
I studied Gale, but he was locked tight. My interview had consisted of taunting questions about the fight I’d nearly had with Jazz and inquiries about other team members and how I planned to come out on top. I’d played their game.
The waitress arrived and took Gale and Olivia’s food orders before refreshing drinks. When she wandered away, I caught Gale’s eye again, and he smiled and ducked his chin.
“I know what you’re thinking about,” I sing-songed under my breath.
He kicked me, and I smothered a laugh.
Sobering, he glanced around before whispering, “Olivia knows.”
