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“Yes, it is, and a tranq hangover might be worth it. Cabin twenty-four. Cabin twenty-four. Cabin twenty-four. Whip out your tranq and follow through. I dare you.”
Lila chuckled despite herself.
“You are such a tease, Lila.” He touched her cheek. His calluses brushed over her fading bruises. The sensation triggered a stirring she hadn’t wanted anyone to wake. “I’m glad that your cheek looks better today.”
“Time will do that.”
“I’m not glad to see you hurt again.”
“Then prepare for unhappiness.”
“Why? Because you get hurt often?”
“It happens in my line of work.”
“And what line of work is that?”
Lila did not answer.
“The mystery deepens. What is your name? At least tell me that?”
“Lila.”
“Lila what?”
“Just Lila,” she said, softening the jab with a smile.
His fingers traced her bruise. “That’s the best you can do? You can’t even give a full smile to a handsome man who’s cooking you dinner?”
“You’re cooking dinner for the oracle and her family.”
“Of course I am.” His gaze slipped to her lips once more.
Lila batted his hand away and stood up. “You needn’t bother cooking for them, you know. They’d rather have you well rested.”
“I get enough rest.”
“Not enough for the oracle. She worries. If you want to really help her, perhaps you should give her one less thing to stress about.”
“Connell will tell me when to back off.”
“Perhaps he already has. Did you listen?”
Nico shifted in his seat. “It’s only a few meals here and there. What’s the harm? It’s not affecting my duties.”
“No, it’s not. You seem to be everywhere.”
“I’m glad you noticed. I’m Connell’s second. I’m supposed to be everywhere. I’m supposed to set an example, a standard. Otherwise, people might slack. You might not understand this, Lila, but the oracle children have enemies. We must always be diligent.”
She said nothing in response.
Nico leaned back into the couch and crossed his ankle across his knee. His eyes followed her as she paced. “Where are you from?”
“Why?”
“You sound like you’re from New Bristol, but I keep asking myself why you’d sleep in our compound instead of going home.”
“You ask an awful lot of questions.”
