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Drew pounds again.

“IF YOU'RE HAVING SEX IN LEO'S STUDY, JADE SAYS SHE WILL KILL BOTH OF YOU.”

Sabine buries her face against my chest, laughing.

I look toward the door.

“WE'RE NOT.”

Drew pauses.

“THEN WHY ARE YOU HIDING?”

I look at my wife.

At the diamond bridge around her neck.

At the quantum workstation behind her.

At the woman who once existed as green text on a black screen and now stands inside my arms on Christmas night.

“Because I was enjoying the peace.”

Drew answers immediately.

“BORING.”

Sabine lifts her head.

“You love them.”

“No.”

“You do.”

“I tolerate them.”

“Ghost.”

I exhale.

“Fine.”

Her smile grows.

I kiss her forehead.

“They're family.”

Her expression softens.

I know what that word still does to her.

So I take her hand.

“Ready?”

She looks toward the door.