Page 135 of Tapeworld Induction

They got into the lift at the Royal Car Wash later that evening. It had been a long day, and every time she had a moment to think, her mind filled it with thoughts of Talia, and whatever Astrid was doing to her.

Dylan took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

“How do you feel?” Isaak asked.

“Like I want to jump out of my skin.” She forced a tired smile. A few weeks ago, her desire to enact some positive change in the world seemed like nothing more than a pointless quixotic errand. Since then, her world had changed so many times she was barely keeping up.

“Tell me about it.” He’d been staring forward, but it didn’t take long for his eyes to meet hers. “I like the jacket. Can’t help but think I’m starting a trend.”

“This old relic? My dad’s.” She’d traded the snakeskin jacket for her dad’s faux-leather one. “You really like it?”

“It suits you. And it looks a bit like mine.”

Her skin warmed. “I wanted something that felt closer to the Apocalypse Revolt… It’s a coincidence that it happens to look like yours. But I’m glad you don’t mind. I mean, you’re ecstatic about it.” She grinned.

He scratched the back of his head. “I’m new to this,” he said, nerves in his voice.

“New to what?”

“Don’t make me say it.”

“Say what?”

“Us! New to a relationship. It’s been… forever for me.”

“Oh… You don’t have to be nervous.” Who was she kidding? She was a mess herself. “The secret is finding something to distract the both of us. Look.”

Dylan opened the side of her jacket, flashing him the logo stitched on the inner lining.

“The Apocalypse Revolt logo. Hidden?”

“They were being hunted,” Dylan said. “Notice anything else?”

“That red stain. Looks like—”

“Blood.” Dylan touched it with her finger. “Yes, sir.”

“Your father was shot?”

“He never admitted it. But he wouldn’t get rid of the jacket either. Before we left, he handed it to me and said, ‘See if it can survive two revolutions.’”

He went quiet for a beat. The lift was approaching the top floor.

“Did you tell your mother anything about our plans?”

“No, like we agreed.” She fetched her phone from her pocket. “I was thinking we could record a message for them. Explaining everything. If we don’t make it…”

He clasped her hand in his. “We’re going to make it.” The intensity of his voice was matched by the strength of his grip. Not strong enough to hurt her, but making his trust and belief in the two of them known.

She embraced him, hand on his chest. “I know.” Deep inside, doubt compromised her conviction. She held him close, wishing the fear away. His warmth was a balm.

Isaak was in his own mind again, looking out to London through the slit in the lift. He wasn’t one to open up easily, only with surgical attention to detail and patience. But she loved him. He was different from all the other guys she’d met. The truth, her truth, was that she wanted him more and more. She could just eat him whole, again and again.

He turned to look at her.

Oops. She turned her fear-driven lustful grin into a kind smile.

Ding.