Page 55 of Mountain Void

“Charlie,” Ry said, spotting her. “You’re with me. We need someone neutral.”

“Neutral?” Lorenz asked. “She’s not neutral. She’s with me.”

“I asked her first.”

“She’s with me,” Lorenz repeated, his expression serious.

“Uh—“ Charlie stammered. “I feel like I’m being set up.”

“Ignore them,” Tess said, running up to her. Though they’d only just met, Charlie already liked her. “Behave, all of you, or I’ll cancel the game.”

There was a chorus of complaints, but the men quietened down and sorted themselves quickly into groups. Charlie ended up with Lorenz. It felt good to stand beside him. They’d stood like this once—the two of them, shoulder to shoulder, facing the world together. Because no matter how far Lorenz’s challenges took him, he’d always come back to her. Always.

“You okay?” he asked quietly.

Charlie nodded quickly.

“I worry I’m going to let you down. I haven’t played darts in years.”

Lorenz’s eyes met hers. He lowered his voice so that only she could hear. “Believe me, we won’t need any help to win. Ry is the worst player in the world.”

Charlie let out a small laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing.

“We go first. Come on, Tess, you start,” Ry said, pressing a set of darts into Tess’s hand.

“I just throw?” Tess asked, all innocence.

“Try to put it in the middle,” Ry said helpfully.

“Thank goodness you explained that to me,” Tess said. Then over her shoulder—“Shut up, Damien.”

A muffled cough. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You were thinking loudly,” Tess said.

“I hope you guys aren’t playing for money,” Damien said.

Tess shifted her body almost imperceptibly, her weight coming to rest on her front foot. She lifted her elbow, holding the dart at eye level for a single breath. Then she released. The dart left her hand in a smooth, controlled motion.

For a moment, nobody spoke.

“I think that’s bullseye,” Tess said mildly. “What do you think, Ry?”

Ry blinked. “I take it that was not a lucky throw?”

The garden exploded with laughter, all of it directed at Ry. He took it in good humor, letting the laughter die out before he replied. “Hey, settle down. I don’t know what you guys are laughing about. I clearly chose the right partner!”

“I’ve told you before, Tess, I’m not sure you should be allowed to play darts,” Damien said, slipping an arm around Tess’s shoulders.

Tess laughed, her eyes crinkling with delight. “You have no idea how much time I spent in the pub during my years at university.”

“Our turn,” Lorenz said, handing Charlie a set of darts edged in bright yellow.

An absurd uncertainty filled her as she faced the target. She knew how competitive Lorenz was. Even if this wasn’t serious—even if this was just a game—she didn’t want to disappoint him.

“Allow me to help,” Lorenz said, coming up behind her. And she could feel his warmth, his strength. She wanted nothing but to feel his arms around her.

His strength helped her find her courage. She straightened to her full height. “Thanks, but I think I’d rather have Tess help me.”