Page 104 of The Bonds of Indigo

Friends.

Pfft.

My little slayer has lost her ever-loving mind.

We left the springs three days ago and are now holed up in a small border town called Saava—wedged between Alameris and Nevadia. Atlas has family here, and dropping him off was the safest option.

And now… it’ll be me and my very nervous girl.

Amarah—who insisted on shoving Atlas between us the entire drive—slides out of the truck first. She lingers by the door so Atlas can follow.

Before he hops out, he stretches his hand toward me and flashes a wide, toothy grin.

“Behave.”

“I should be saying that to you.” I clap my palm against his and pull him into a quick side hug. “Thanks for everything, Atlas.”

He pats my back and leans away. “Let me know when everything’s settled. I’d like to… I don’t know…hang out. Maybe a game night. With you, her, and… him.” He’s referring to Lucifer, I assume.

I nod. “Sounds like a great time.”

As he scoots out of the truck, he mutters under his breath, “I’m going to hug her. Don’t take my fucking head off.”

I narrow my eyes as the door slams shut.

Amarah looks mortified the moment he steps up to her. He doesn’t hesitate to just wrap his arms around her and pull her flush against his chest.

“Wasn’t going to give you the option to say no,” he says into her hair.

She sucks in a sharp breath and for a second, she freezes…

Hesitantly, her arms slide around his waist and she returns the embrace.

I count backward from five in my head, because that shit shouldn’t last longer than that.

“Take care of yourself, Amarah.”

“I will…”

Two seconds. He got to two seconds before letting go. Acceptable.

Atlas steps back, but he doesn’t leave immediately. His expression softens into something that looks very close to genuine affection.

“I told the brute to let me know when things are settled, but…” He gives her a shy half-smile. “We’re friends. Regardless of how this all ends, get a phone and text me. We can send each other stupid memes that relate to Kayn.”

Her throat works around a tight swallow. “Alright.”

“That’ll be a group chat, just so you know,” I call out, loud enough for their normal ears to catch every word.

Atlas flips me off. She doesn’t react—not outwardly anyway. He steps closer to her again and gently places a hand against her cheek.

“One day,” he says softly, “I want to hear about that night… as your friend.”

A faint tremor crosses her features. “Okay. And… thanks for everything you’ve done for me. Your kindness especially. It’s been a long time since… I’ve had that.” She clears her throat. “Bye, Atlas.”

“Bye, Amarah. I’ll see you soon.”

He turns and jogs across the street after checking both ways.