Page 120 of Hell Breaks Loose

“I mean, yeah, but Ora, you’re…”

“Just waiting for you to come back.”

‘I wouldn't have known how to do any of this.”

“Bullshit. You would have found the right people to do the right jobs like you always have. We are still figuring out how to solve stupid problems on a daily basis.”

“Maybe. But you and the Block are the real heroes of Sanctum.”

“That’s not what most people are saying. From what I hear, Hellena Michaels used every resource at her disposal, including the man who kidnapped her and his army, to dig channels for drainage. Drove out dozens of Ghosts back toward the docks, clearing out entire neighborhoods.”

“I’ve seen them looking at me, Ora. Not everyone is happy I’m back.”

“So what? If they’re mad, at least they can’t say you aren’t trying to fix what got broken in the first place.”

“It wouldn’t be broken if it weren’t for us.”

“You are not responsible for Vice or Aunt Rachelle’s actions.”

“When did you get so damned wise?”

“I must have inherited it. I swear it wasn’t there before.” she laughs, and we hug.

It feels amazing to be home.

Or whatever you want to call this place.

Another song kicks on, and Ora’s eyes light up.

“Oh, shit! It’s our sooooong!” Before I can protest, she’s dragging me onto the dancefloor, bopping to the beat. And of course, shoving another drink into my hand.

And fuck it if I don’t give in and let loose, giggling as she grinds up against me, dropping it low and back up.

She knows just how to get me laughing, to get me out of my head.

Just like the first time we really hung out after meeting in a jail cell.

And just like the outfit she rigged out of my dress with a pair of scissors and some safety pins.

“Damn, Hella! That is a dress,” Tell exclaims, sauntering up with a bottle of beer in one hand. Gavin is close behind, both of them looking more than mouthwatering in short-sleeved button-downs and jeans that I am dying to peel off them later.

“I turned her funeral shroud into a celebration of life!”

“More like a celebration of that ass.” Tell tilts his head.

“Are you two going to just stand there, or are you going to come celebrate it, then?” I bit my lip, rolling my hips to the beat.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”

He swoops in between Ora and me, slipping a hand along my waist and claiming my lips in a deep, passionate kiss. It zaps right to my brain, along with the vodka, making my whole world light up with sparks.

Pulling away, I glance to the side, catching Gavin watching us with a little half-grin. And more than a little heat in his eyes.

“If you feel left out, you have to come join us!” I shout, joy spreading through my body like a heatwave.

“I’m happy to watch.”

“Horseshit!” Ora yells, rushing the massive man, shoving into his back with both hands. He caves, stumbling forward and right up behind me, swaying into our groove.

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