AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If you need to stay—”
I cut him off immediately before he finishes his sentence.“They attacked them earlier today, Lang.I want to be with them, but I can’t just stay and wait.”
He nods, understanding why I have to leave.
“Finn’s company is joining the mission,” I continue my explanation, though I don’t know if it’s for his benefit or mine.I hate to leave them, but if I’m part of the mission, this will go faster.“With the support of the FBI and Crait Quantum Shield, we should be able to finish this faster than we originally predicted.”
That’s what Seth, Finnegan and Mason said earlier.It should take only a few weeks, not months.“You’re sticking in Seattle, right?”I confirm.
“I am,” he replies, his gaze drifting toward the empty space Greyson and Aerin vacated. “Though I’m helping with the air and land bots, I’ll keep an eye on them.Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
The question rubs me the wrong way, the prickling irritation bubbling beneath my skin.I restrain the snap that threatens to jump out of my mouth, releasing a slow breath.“Yes,” I manage to say evenly.
My gaze hardens a little as I add, “And before you ask, yes, I will be seeking therapy.But I’ll find a counselor outside The Organization.”
Lang’s brow hikes upward, the lines on his forehead forming a question mark.“Why outside?”
“Many of them know me, and I’ve never talked about Aerin or Grey,” I explain, my voice suddenly heavy.“If I do now, they might ground me until I sort out my underlying issues.”
Lang nods, clearly understanding my dilemma.“True, but Beacon could vouch for you.I mean, none of us on the team would have let you participate in a mission if we didn’t believe in your ability.”
“Exactly.”I can’t help but agree.I’ve always kept my personal life separate from my professional responsibilities.With a gesture directed at the items he brought me, I say, “Thank you for helping me.”
He waves it off casually, pretending to be indifferent.“It’s not like I had a choice.”He hesitates before asking, “So, you three won’t be joining us at Beacon’s for dinner?”
I shrug, thinking of Aerin’s insistence on cooking.“You heard her.She plans on cooking.”I, of course, don’t explain to him why.We’ve never discussed her eating disorders, though, after reading the fucking biography, he might know.Still, I won’t discuss it with him.
However, an idea begins to take root.I tap my chin thoughtfully.“You know, maybe I sway her into extending a dinner invitation to you guys.”
Lang shakes his head vehemently.“That’s a terrible idea.You’re talking about twelve people.Grey might be accustomed to crowds, but Aerin hasn’t interacted with us yet.We might be a bit too overwhelming for her.”
“Are you making decisions for me again?”Aerin’s voice drifts over from somewhere within the house.
Lang’s chuckle is soft, a touch apologetic.“Just protecting you from us,” Lang responds.
Aerin materializes in the kitchen, holding a list.“Ready to go shopping?”
“I thought you two were doing that,” I say.
She shakes her head, a soft smile playing on her lips.“Nope.We’re going together.We’re learning to coexist again.”
Lang takes this as his cue to step in.“So I take it that you three aren’t coming to Beac’s, and we’re not invited to your dinner?”
Aerin shakes her head.“Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to hang out with you again, but we need a quiet evening before San leaves for his mission.”
“Remember that Aaron will be here in about fifteen minutes.Also, Sanford needs sex before he leaves,” Lang says, making her squirm.
She shoots him a steely glare.“Are you a little too old to be teasing me?”
“Did you lose your sense of humor?”he retorts, chuckling.
She’s quick with her rebuttal.“Nope, you just don’t know how to read the room.We’re in the middle of a crisis and only have a few hours to do some damage control.We’ll entertain you once things are less tense at home.”
Lang visibly recoils, mouthing a silent,sorry.
“Thanks for your help, Lang,” I say.
We share a few more awkward exchanges with Lang, who eventually heads out.I text the concierge company, requesting to come a couple of hours later because we need to head outside.
