Page 25 of Final Sins

Alex glared at him for a long moment before deflating slightly. “Fine. But first thing tomorrow, we figure this out.”

As an uneasy truce settled over the room, the air still crackled with unresolved tension. Jason knew this was far from over, but for now, they had a momentary respite. He just hoped it would be enough to get them through the night.

Alex retreated to a corner, phone in hand. “Gabriel? You okay? Are Liv and Mac with you?”

Jason watched as her expression softened, the furrow between her brows smoothing out. It was like watching a different person emerge.

“No, I need you to follow protocol. Disappear. All of you ... I know, I know. But your VR breakthrough can wait ... Fine, the alternate facility, but you promise me ... Okay. I’ll contact you when it’s safe. Love you, be careful.”

As she hung up, Jason couldn’t help but comment. “You two seem close.”

Alex’s smile was tired but genuine. “We’re more like siblings than cousins. My parents took Gabe in after his folks died. We grew up together, fought together, hacked together.”

The affection in her voice was palpable, and Jason felt a twinge of envy. Or maybe it was just a reminder of what he’d left behind in Redemption Creek.

He eyed the cramped room, taking in the two king-sized beds with their faded floral spreads.

Gravy’s voice cut through the tension. “So, uh, sleeping arrangements?” The kid’s eyes darted between the beds and the three of them. “Because I gotta say, I’m not really a cuddler.”

Alex rolled her eyes. “Relax, Gravy. You get your own bed. Jason and I can share.”

Jason’s eyebrows shot up, a retort on the tip of his tongue, but Gravy barreled on.

“Cool, cool. But, uh, more pressing question ...” His stomach let out an audible growl. “Any chance of room service in this five-star establishment? ‘Cause I’m starving.”

“I think we passed a vending machine by the ice maker,” Jason offered, already dreading the thought of stale chips and ancient candy bars.

“Ooh, gourmet,” Gravy quipped. “Living the high life now.”

Jason caught Alex’s eye. The mix of exasperation and amusement in her expression mirrored his own feelings.

“It’s going to be a long night,” he muttered.

Alex’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “Welcome to life on the run, country boy. Hope you like the sound of horse races and Gravy’s snoring.”

As if on cue, the distant neigh of a horse drifted through the thin walls. Jason sighed, settling onto the edge of the bed. The pulsing ache in his side echoed his heartbeat.

A long night for sure.

13

Alex stirredas the first rays of sunlight seeped around the edges of the thick blackout curtains, painting the worn furniture in depressing shades of gray. The faint sounds of horses nickering and equipment clanging drifted from the racetrack across the road. She slid quietly out of bed, careful not to disturb Jason, who was curled on his side at the far edge of the mattress.

Sleep had eluded her all night, her mind a whirlwind of worry about Gravy’s safety and the future of RAVEN. Now that they were on this Seven-Five’s radar, everything she’d built was at risk.

She slipped into the bathroom, wincing as she flicked on the garish fluorescent light. Her reflection confirmed what she already knew—she looked awful. Her usually sleek black hair hung in limp hanks, and dark circles shadowed her eyes. Tossing and turning all night in her clothes hadn’t helped, though thankfully, her tech gear didn’t wrinkle. Much.

Not that she should care how she looked. It’s just ... it had been a while since she’d had anything resembling a conversation with a handsome guy. And irritating and bossy as he might be, Jason Reilly was exceedingly handsome. His obvious faith made him even more so.

Alex shook her head, disgusted with herself. “Get your head back in the game, Mendoza,” she muttered. But it was hard. RAVEN had consumed her life these past five years, leaving little room for anything else. When was the last time she’d spoken to someone for purely social reasons?

She couldn’t recall.

Impatient with herself, she slipped on a clean tech tee and grabbed her toothbrush. That would have to suffice for now.

Midway through brushing her teeth, a muffled exclamation startled her. She yanked open the door to find Jason bolt upright, rifling through their pile of clothes and equipment.

“He’s gone,” he said, meeting her eyes.

---