Page 161 of Axis of Fire

“I'd believe you,” Airis replied.

The words gave me hope for half a second.

Then he finished:

“If you had proof.”

That hurt.

Far more than it should have.

The feeling wrapped itself around my heart like a snake.

Slowly.

Tightly.

Cruelly.

I didn't expect Airis to trust me blindly.

Not after everything.

Not when we'd only known each other for a few days.

But for some reason—

I wanted him to.

Without proof.

Without explanations.

Without having to earn it.

The realization unsettled me almost as much as his accusation.

A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.

Before either of us could answer, a familiar red-haired head appeared in the doorway.

“Are you two done fighting yet?”

“No.”

“Yes.”

The answers came at exactly the same time.

Dwayne completely ignored Airis.

Naturally.

“Wonderful.”

His grin widened.

“Then let's drive to Liverpool.”