Page 155 of Ashes

“You could just get a dorm,” Stitches murmured. “They have some with bathrooms if you’re not a complete head case. Or if you suck Sully’s dick good enough.”

“Or room with Sirena,” Sin added.

“She’s rooming with Asylum.” Cady looked at Sin. “Remember? We were there yesterday.”

“Tell me about your visit.” Church perked up.

“Yeah.” Sin grunted, dropping his burger onto his plate. “She’s fine since I know that’s your next question.”

Church nodded, a look of relief sweeping over him.

“Fine? Define fine,” Stitches said thickly.

“I don’t know. She rocked like she’s been doing. She. . . was Sirena. Mostly. She seems coherent.” Sin pushed his entire tray away.

“She screamed when Sin got too close to her,” Cady whispered.

A muscle thrummed along Sin’s jaw.

Damnit, Cady.

“I’m sure she just has a little PTSD,” I said, hoping to soothe any doubts because I knew Dante Church. The look on his face and the way he was staring at Sin let me know the wheels were spinning in his head.

We needed proof that Sin fucked everything up.

The sickness washed over me again.

Please, God, don’t let it be true.

“Praying so early in the day, Valentine?” Asylum’s voice cut through my thoughts. I looked at him and dropped my fork as Sirena clutched his arm at his side.

I scrambled to my feet the same time Church did, both of us practically tripping over ourselves in the process.

“Easy. We’re just passing through. Heard you praying to God and figured I’d make an appearance.” Asylum flashed his smile at me.

At least I assumed we were dealing with Asylum.

The Seth version was much more normal than the Asylum version was.

Or at least he seemed to be.

But my heaven. . .

She kept her eyes trained on her shiny black patent shoes. She was perfect in her uniform. It took everything I had not to reach for her and haul her against my chest and never let her go.

“Hey, heaven,” I said softly. “It’s good to see you out.”

Asylum looked at her and cocked his head. “She says it’s good to see you too.”

“What?” I looked from Sirena to Asylum.

“It’s what she said.” He shrugged. “Also, she’s still upset and has questions.”

“What questions?” Church demanded, stepping around the table. “We’ll answer anything she wants to know.” He hadn’t even batted a lash at Asylum speaking for her like he was inside her head.

She kept her eyes downcast as Asylum tightened his hold on her.

“She’s uncomfortable right now. We’ll all chat later when there aren’t so many watchers.” Asylum took her hand in his and made to pull her away.

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