Page 127 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

“What did you do this time? Climb out of someone’s bed?” he asks in exasperation. He probably means it as a joke, but it’s too close for comfort, and I wince. His eyes widen.

“Are you serious?”

“I think you asked that question before, and we surely agree I’m the least serious person you know. So thanks again.” I smile at him, turning to the door, but Joel is faster and steps in my way. What is it with men and doors today? Images of Tate hovering over me flit through my mind, making my cheeks warm.

“Oh no, not so fast. Who is it?” Joel crosses his arms.

I look down at my feet. I'm hoping to avoid the conversation, especially since I don’t know exactly what Tate and I are.

“You sneaked out, so you couldn’t leave through the door.” He pauses. “Please tell me he’s not married?”

I glare at him. How can he even think I would go there? He raises his hands.

“Okay, not married, got it.” He considers me like the answer is written somewhere on my skin. “Why did you sneak out then? Unless…you were not supposed to be there.” He swears.

We are getting too close, too fast.

“Leave it, Joel,” I warn.“It’s not your business.”

“He’s a rider, isn’t he?” he asks.

Why can’t he leave it alone already?

I keep my face as blank as possible.

“Is it someone from my squadron? I’ll kick this guy’s ass for putting you in such a position.”

The corner of my mouth twitches at the thought of Joel trying to kick Tate’s ass and again Joel notices it.

“You think I can’t take him? Why would you think, unless…No!” His eyes get even bigger. “Tell me it’s not Kyronos.”

“It’s not Kyronos. There, I said it,” I deadpan.

“Motherfucker, I can’t believe…”

“Ah no, Joel, I’m not your mother. That would be really weird, don’t you think?” I can’t help it. Humor is my way of dealing with things, and angry people are simply hilarious.

He points his finger at me, trembling with anger. “Don’t you dare joke about this. Kyronos? Are you fucking kidding me?” he roars.

“How about you shout a little louder? I think there are still people left who didn’t hear you.” I pick some dirt from under my nails and give him my best bored expression.

“Didn’t I tell you to stay away from him?”

I nod, shrugging. “Not good at following orders, remember?”

“Then what are you doing in the fucking military?”

“At the moment, it seems like I’m snagging myself a beautiful…”

Joel throws his hands up. “I don’t want to hear it!”

“Sheesh, relax. I was going to say a beautiful, magical bird.” I wink at him. And I see one side of his mouth twitch.

There, we are getting somewhere.

He heaves out a breath. “He is going to hurt you, Ara, and then I will get in all kinds of trouble for beating up my centurion. Not to mention, he’s kind of intimidating. Couldn’t you choose someone less scary?”

I laugh at that. “He isn’t scary. He’s sweet and considerate and damn sexy.” Joel makes a face at that.

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