Page 43 of Amber Gambler

“That was Harrow.” I tilted my phone back and forth. “He was very chill.”

Maybe Aretha had hit him with a milder version of the calming spell she used on Lyle before risking him in a room with Kierce.

“I’m about to be un-chill,” Josie growled, “if you don’t unhand my sister, mister.”

“Hug time is over.” I patted Kierce’s hands where they rested low on my hips. “I have to face the music.”

Arms folded across his chest, Matty strolled over to the bed. “Why are we, yourfamily, the music?”

“Hmm.” A snicker slipped out as Kierce released me. “You’re loud and annoying?”

“What he meant was—” Josie’s eyes glistened like dewdrops on blades of grass as she locked gazes with Kierce, “—who the fuck do you think you are, Birdboy, wardingusout whenoursister is injured?”

“Josie.” I gathered her against me. “It’s okay.I’mokay. Everything is okay.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks, splashing my covers, and her anger softened as I rocked her.

“You weren’t breathing, Mary.” As her voice cracked, so did my heart.“You weren’t breathing.”

“We thought you were dead when Kierce carried you out of the water.” Matty sat on the mattress, and I took his hand. “You were so pale, Mary, and Harrow lost it. He waded in after you were taken, splashing water to search for you, but you were gone. Then Kierce came out of nowhere, and Harrow blamed iton him. He claimed it was proof Kierce set the whole thing up to make himself look like a hero.”

“Batshit-crazy rants.” Josie sniffled against my shoulder. “Oh.” She flicked her eyes up to Kierce with new understanding in them. “That’s why you barred the door. To keep him out.”

“Frankie wasn’t breathing,” he agreed, allowing tiny jolts of electricity to slide across his skin. “Aretha required my assistance resuscitating her.” His gaze dipped to my chest then flitted away. “There was no time for us to explain. We had to act. Fast.” He ended the light show. “I regret that the lack of access frightened you.”

“I have a temper.” Josie used my shirt as a tissue. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” She wiped her nose just to watch me cringe. Little sisters were menaces. “Harrow brings out the worst in me. He always has, and I’m starting to think he always will. That’s no excuse for taking out my anger at him on you.”

Hand over my heart, I stared at her in awe. “You took responsibility for your actions.”

“She apologized to him and everything,” Matty joined in, “like a real-life adult.”

“Shut up the both of you.” Josie huffed. “Come on, Frankie. Let’s get you showered before you crash.”

“Kierce and I will change the sheets,” Matty volunteered. “These smell like toilet water.”

With Josie keeping an ear out in case I got dizzy or faceplanted on the tile, I washed my hair and let the gunk and funk run off me until I my skin was bright pink and the heat was going to my head. After I was dried and dressed in pink pajamas with purple skulls on them, she sat me on the toilet seat, lid down, and insisted on blow-drying my hair to avoid me going to bed with a wet head.

When we emerged in a cloud of steam, Matty was doing his best not to laugh as Kierce battled a pillow. I watched for asecond or two, curious who would prevail. The PA or the pillow refusing to fit into its case.

“That’s it.” Josie bumped her shoulder into mine. “Show that pillowcase who’s boss.”

“It’s been five minutes,” Matty told us. “I’m still not sure if Kierce, the pillow, or the case is winning.”

“Here.” I crossed to Kierce. “Let me help.”

“Why is this so difficult?” His question was genuine. “The stuffing is thwarting me.”

“It’s full of feathers.” I showed him a quill sticking through the fabric. “They make it tricky.”

The confession earned me an ear-piercingcawfrom Badb, who fluffed herself at the very nerve.

“This pillow was made from ethically sourced down.” I put it in the closet to keep her from murdering it. “I’m sorry to have offended your delicate sensibilities.” I let Matty guide me to bed and Josie tuck me in. “Do you guys mind going ahead? I’d like to talk to Kierce privately for a minute.”

“You’ve already had private time with Kierce.” Josie raised an accusing eyebrow. “You were sitting in his lap when we came in. How much more privacy do you need?” An evil smile flickered. “Or is it more time you want?” She turned an innocent look on Kierce. “How long?—?”

“Josie.”I slapped a hand over her mouth. “Stop right there.”

“You don’t even know what she was asking,” Matty defended her. “She might have wanted to know?—”

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