Page 230 of Lodestar

“Me neither. But you get used to it.”

With a disgruntled grunt, I slipped my arms around her waist and embraced her. “I want you to know this is under duress.”

“Tough shit.”

The hug went on for a long time, neither of us admitting that it was comforting, neither of us pulling away.

Then, in my ear, she informed me, “I got the notification that Katina is on her way. Maverick wanted to confirm the guards’ IDs.”

So, he was taking her security seriously—thank fuck.

Anticipation filled me at Vana’s news though. “Good. I miss her.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting her again.”

“Again?” I questioned, finally retreating so I could read her expression. “She didn’t visit you as well, did she? I know you and Conor share the same building. Did she give you the laptop?”

“No. I was pissed at Aidan. Long story short, I felt like running away for a little while so decided to go to the Sinners’ compound. I met her there. She gave me the laptop and I gave it to Conor.”

“She never mentioned that she gave it to you.” I frowned, surprised by the news. “When was the kidnapping?”

“Late last year.”

Before I could wonder about Katina’s silence on that subject, Savannah was back to scowling at me and shoving me in the shoulder again. “You could have just sent it to him instead of potentially dropping me in deep Shinola with the Sinners.”

“I could have but I…” I pulled a face. “I wanted him to have access to it if I died. It didn’t matter when you got it. I knew he’d be able to use the contents to avenge me.”

Her mouth rounded. “You totally thought you were going to die?”

I hitched a shoulder. “I wake up each morning thinking today could be my last twenty-four hours on this planet.”

“Lord, that’s depressing.”

“Nah, it’s my reality. I like it, makes me appreciate the smaller things in life.”

“Like watermelon Jolly Ranchers but not family and friends?” she mocked, obviously scenting the candy on my breath.

“I apologized. Twice. That means I don’t have to say it again and it means you can’t bring it up in future arguments.”

She sniffed. “Where, in the terms and conditions of our friendship, did I ever agree to that?”

“Bitch.”

“Asshole.”

We smirked at each other.

Family—it didn’t have to make sense.

50

CONOR

Finn clappedme on the back when I walked into his man cave and dragged me into a hug. “I didn’t know how much I’d miss you until you left. You’re the only one with any sense, I swear to fuck.”

Brennan punched me in the arm. “What’s going on?”

Grumbling, I rubbed my bicep. “That’s your idea of a greeting?”

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