Page 13 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘What are you gonna do? Kill me? Good luck with that.’

‘Or I’ll just tell him no.’

‘And what if he disobeys you? What then?’

‘He won’t.’

‘I’m taking him out, and if you try to stop me, maybe I’ll just lock you up and see how you like it.’

‘How will I cope with such a new experience?’

It’s so incredibly flat that even Kade can’t stop himself from snorting, but it’s too loud, and when he opens his eyes, they’re both staring at him.

Lachlan looks away quickly.

Riley gestures him over.

‘Hey.’

‘Morning, boss,’ Kade says, determinedly ignoring Lachlan because fuck him, especially for last night. ‘Catching a cold?’

It’s a genuine worry hidden beneath casual banter.

Riley often gets sick, sometimes spends whole days and nights in his room at the top of the Tower, whereas Kade hasn’t been sick a day in his life, not even a sniffle. He wonders vaguely if that’s a… Brightling thing.

‘Not today. How are you feeling?’

‘Feel fine, slept well.’

‘Kade.’ Lachlan actually has the audacity to speak his name while staring elsewhere. ‘I want to take you out again tonight, away from here.’

With the former bodyguard still not looking, Kade takes the opportunity to speak in tactical sign with Riley.

Yes or no?

Riley shakes his head.

‘I don’t want to go anywhere with you,’ Kade announces to the air, taking some shivery, ruthless pleasure when Lachlan finally does turn to look at him, and it was likely Kade being difficult that earned it. ‘I’m busy.’

‘I need you to come with me.’

‘Hmm, I think—’

‘Kade, please.’

‘—it’s not my business.’

Riley drops his gaze low, smiling to himself.

Kade feels good. He feels right once more. In control.

His world will go back to what it was before, and this weirdo will go away, and Kade will forget about dancing, about everything he’s learnt over the last four days. He will forget and life will get back on track. It’s not even really what he wants, but he can feel it’s what will happen. Just as moss and grass grow over bodies in time, so too will this fresh wound heal, one way or another.

First Captain of Iron Star.

Needed and necessary.

The best.