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"I'd offer to pray for you, but it feels wrong." Laird just looked him over one last time. "Just be safe?"
"Not at all," Thane said. "None of this is safe. That doesn't mean it's not the right thing to do. Watch your back, Laird."
Laird nodded, so Thane turned, walking out of his room. He wanted to look back. He wanted to say something else - because his gut said this was the last time he'd ever see his brother alive. This was how every day was going to feel from now on. He was about to go against the Church, and the Church would not forget.
"God?" Thane breathed as he walked back toward the bunk room. "Please let this work? For all the sins I've committed, forgive me, and let me make this my penance?"
The only answer he got was the sound of his feet in an empty hall.
ChapterSeven
DAHLIA
The big black truck fit in as well in Des Moines as it did in Dallas - the local accent might be a little different, but the people were about the same. Finding a space she could make the monstrosity fit into, Dahlia checked her mirror before climbing out. Maybe she should have put on something a little nicer? At least tried to fix her hair and makeup? Not that it mattered. Thane had seen her straight from the abyss. Besides, he was just here to help, not to be impressed.
Jogging across the street to the entrance, she followed the signs to the baggage claim closest to gate C6. It wasn't that big of an airport, but it had all of the standard amenities like security guards. She just hoped he'd managed to bring one of those spikes. If they could get some time to inspect them, maybe they could find a counter. Considering that the priests didn't even know why they worked, well, someone needed to do a little research.
Then she saw him. Glancing at the board, she realized his flight was early and Thane was standing at the carousel waiting for his bag. He looked just as good as she remembered. Dark blue denim hugged every muscle in his legs. His white tee made his shoulders look even broader, and his dark hair was tousled like he'd just crawled out of bed. Dahlia headed in his direction, looking to see who else was around. She still wasn't quite sure he'd come alone, but all she saw were women checking him out with undisguised awe.
"Thane?" she called before she got too close.
He turned, a smile lighting up his face when he recognized her. "Hey!"
On impulse, she rushed the last few steps and threw her arms around his neck. "You made it!"
He laughed and hugged her closer. "Damn, you look good."
"What?" She glanced down. "I showed up comfy."
He let his eyes roam. "Most people don't define comfy as painted-on jeans, sweetie. The ponytail's cute." Then he hugged her again, leaning close to her ear. "Still going by Valerie?"
"Yes and no," she breathed, leaning back to see his face. "Legally, I'm using Valerie Keegan, but I prefer to be called Dahlia still."
He nodded slowly. "So how are you doing? Honestly, Dahlia. I know this can't be easy for you."
Her teeth found her lower lip and she shrugged. This wasn't at all how she expected the reunion to go. "I'm good. Not great, but better than I expected. I also had a big lunch yesterday, so figured I could hold off on dinner until you got here."
"You only eating once a day?" His eyes flicked to the people around them, then back, as if checking for eavesdroppers.
"Um." She laughed softly. "It's been a little busy, so yeah. Well, I'm trying to have a meal a day, ya know?"
"No, I don't." He held up a finger and moved to the belt, snagging a large nylon bag. Hiking the strap over his shoulder, he picked up a smaller bag left where she was standing, then gestured to the door. "Let's get out of here. You bring my truck?"
"Yep." She offered him the keys, but he waved her off.
"You know where we're going. I'm new here, remember?"
"Yeah." Time to break the bad news. "Um..." She paused while they stepped outside. "So, I told my landlord my husband was coming into town."
"Ok."
That was it? She looked at him, then pointed to where she'd parked. "I mean, it's easier to get approved for the lease if I check the married box, you know? And since - "
"I know." He smiled. "Dahlia, I was just hoping you hadn't said I was your brother. That would get awkward fast. I mean, if you, um..." He swallowed, then changed the subject. "I actually like that you're still using Dahlia. I was struggling to get used to Valerie. It didn't feel natural."
She let him have it. There were too many people around. Granted, none of them were probably listening, but "probably" was a risk she didn't want to take. When they reached the truck, he tossed his bags in the back and caught her arm. For a long moment, he just stared at her.
"What?" she asked.
