Page 151 of Aviatrix

The question sends a shiver through me.

At the Academy, I loved being held this way during those rushed mornings in the co-ed showers. It wasn’t only the closeness. It was the way Eli made me believe nothing beyond those walls could reach me.

“Still my favorite.”

He presses a kiss to my shoulder.

The moment that follows is slow, intimate, and achingly familiar. He remains wrapped around me, anchoring me as the water falls steadily over us.

After every betrayal, compromise, and unanswered question, I hadn’t realized how much I missed this. Not only being wanted but being known.

Being trusted.

Eli whispers my name, and I let myself fall apart in his arms, knowing he’ll keep me together when it’s over.

He does.

We remain beneath the water afterward, neither of us willing to move. His arms stay tight around my waist, and my hands remain clasped over his as though letting go might break whatever spell carried us here.

Long after the steam begins to fade, Eli turns off the water, reaches for towels and wraps me warmly in one.

“What’s the plan, Major?” I ask as he towels off.

He grins. “Operation Keep Quay Naked Until Sunrise.”

I smile as he reaches for me.

“Finally,” I murmur, leaning into his chest, “a mission I want to survive.”

THIRTY-THREE

THIS POLISHED PLEASANTRY SHOW

The light flicks on in Eli’s room, and I groan, burying my face in his chest.

“Ever heard of knocking?” Eli growls, yanking the sheet over me.

“I tried,” Lark makes clear. “No one answered.”

Lark.

Why the hell am I hearing Lark?

Eli snaps. “Can we help you?”

I squint to block out the light. Just in time to see Lark standing beside the bed, arms crossed, expression carved from stone.

I clutch the sheet tighter around my chest. “What are you doing in here?”

“We found your mom,” Lark says, tone flat. “She’ll be here in fifteen minutes. Figured you’d want to know.”

My breath catches. I nod, too stunned to speak.

Beside me, Eli sits up, pulling me gently with him.

“You should get dressed and meet me in the hangar,” Lark says coolly. “And you should shower, Major.”

Eli smirks. “I think I’m good.”