Page 193 of Burn Like An Angel

Present Day

With Ripley’s parting words describing that first encounter over Thai food, the documentary credits roll. I close my laptop, leaning back on the bed to blow out the breath it feels like I’ve held for an eternity.

The full, unfiltered truth is out there now.

Being seen is an odd thing.

Perhaps one of the most divisive opinions among humans. Some will sacrifice everything for the chance to be heard. For the world to know their name. No price is too high for fame.

Then there are those who stick to the shadows. Who thrive on invisibility. Striving to be forgotten by the sands of time. History erases us all in the end, but some make it their mission to expedite that process.

I never cared strongly enough about either before. Other people’s opinions weren’t exactly my concern—not when I lacked the emotions to care about their scorn or praise. I simplylived for the next thrill, the endless chase for the most exquisite pain.

Life looks a little different now.

I can’t say I regret the road that led me here.

Stashing the laptop in the cluttered desk drawer, I catch sight of the faded military dog tags stuffed at the very back. Lennox never did quite summon the strength to toss them, but he hasn’t searched for them in years.

He doesn’t need that reminder anymore.

His family is right here in front of him.

Walking into our spacious living area, the three mismatched sofas we soon replaced Ripley’s sparse armchairs with are fully occupied. Phoenix and Eli dominate one, trading whispers with their fingers intwined on their crossed legs.

Everyone arrived while I poured over my laptop, unable to stand another second without answers. None of the others wanted to watch with me. Not even Ripley.

“You know, Kade’s winning the best husband contest,” Eli grouses, his gaze fixed on the TV. “We need to outsmart him.”

“How?” Phoenix moans.

“We get the others to have Logan and take Brooklyn out for sushi. You know it’s her weakness.”

“You hate sushi, Eli.”

The green-eyed recluse shrugs. “I’ll grin and bear it for her.”

“We should rope in Jude when he finishes work. He can help us conspire.”

“Late shift tonight,” Eli replies. “He’ll be a while yet.”

Casting my gaze around, I spot Raine plucking the violin in his lap while sitting with Hunter and Theo. Both men have a warm, healthy glow from their time in the Australian sunshine. It’s rare that we see them.

They’re back visiting England with Enzo and their newly minted fiancée, Harlow. The past decade since Sabre’s businessexploded after Incendia was a bit complicated. They went through hell, but that’s a whole other tale.

“Come visit us after your concert in Melbourne?” Hunter suggests, a tumbler full of whiskey in hand. “We’ll put the four of you up for a couple weeks.”

“Oh, awesome.” Raine adjusts his rounded, black lenses. “I’ve got another show in Sydney the week after. I can get you all backstage passes if you want?”

Theo fiddles with his phone, engrossed in something. “Anywhere away from the crowds would be great.”

“Consider it done.”

“Xan?” Raine’s head cocks, his nostrils flaring. “I know you’re standing there. Can you get time off from work?”

“Haven’t exactly got a boss to answer to while I’m freelancing,” I reply easily. “As long as no major projects come in, it should be fine.”

“You can code software on an aeroplane, Xan. Just say yes.”

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