Page 63 of The Court of Truth

Cassian: I hear my girl is coming home tomorrow. I’m stealing her, this is your advance notice.

I shake my head at his ability to be such a sweet asshole when another message comes through.

Raiden: You can fuck off. Don’t even bother leaving the Kenner compound. You’re not invited.

Brody: That’s a bit harsh.

Raiden: Please. Harsh is being on this damn tour with so much pressure around us that we haven’t even seen Adrianna ourselves. This isn’t a vacation; it’s a disaster. Cass stole her before we left, so he can fuck off if he thinks he’s doing it when we get back.

I hate that it’s true. We’re all passing ships, sailing on the same course with slightly different obstacles in our way at each turn.

Kryll: I agree with the vamp. I mean, don’t hole yourself up on the compound, but you’re not stealing her.

Cassian: You’re all assholes.

Brody: Thanks!

Cassian: I’ll be there for your return.

Brody: She knows, I can see she’s reading the messages, but she’s doing that thing where she doesn’t respond. LOVE US, ADDI. Send us a message to confirm I’m your favorite!

Raiden: Now she’s never going to text.

Addi: You’re all insane.

I can’t deny the grin on my lips. Once again, despite the strain we’re under, they find a way to keep me grounded.

Brody: Ha! That counts, motherfuckers! I’m her favorite.

Cassian: No.

Kryll: Raiden texted after you. It doesn’t count!

Brody: Yes, it does! Dagger, please confirm?!

I swipe out of the chat before I have to deal with any more of their mischief, and when I turn my attention back to the girls, I find them staring at me with grins spread across their cheeks as they watch me.

“Do we even want to know what they were saying to make you smile like that?” Janie teases, and I shake my head.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Of course you do. I know the feeling that’s vibrating through your body right now. I get it every time Jake messages me, even more so if it’s a picture or joke at Cassian’s expense. They’re the best,” she snickers, crossing her legs.

“That’s cruel.”

“It’s good for his ego,” she insists, and I grin. “What about your boyfriend?” She continues, directing her question to Flora, who frowns.

“Boyfriend?”

“Arlo,” Janie says before reaching for a bag of chips Flora managed to find, while the girl in question splutters.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“He’s not?” Janie’s nose crinkles in confusion, looking to me for guidance, but I shake my head. That’s not my drama to delve into. If Flora wants to explain, she will.

“He’s technically my stepbrother.” She reaches for a bottle of water, gulping it down to avoid eye contact with Janie, who shrugs at the information.

“Fuck him being your stepbrother or just fuck your stepbrother,” Janie says with a snicker, amusing herself. “That man looks at you with a mixture of hearts in his eyes and a stiff cock in his pants. I would be all over that.”

---