Page 159 of Stars in Umbra
She rocked him from behind, swaying with the quiet rhythm of mourning and memory.
‘I know she’s with me,’ he murmured.
‘She is, honey. Always.’
He turned then to face her. His eyes searched hers, brimming, tender, vulnerable.
‘Maybe she brought me to you,’ he whispered.
‘I’d like to believe that,’ Rina said.
He cupped her cheek and kissed her, long and sweet, lips soft and unhurried, tasting of unspoken grief and the warmth of trust.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested on hers.
‘Sante,’ he murmured. ‘For letting me talk about her. For allowing me to grieve. It lifts the sadness that much more.’
Rina smiled. ‘My pleasure, soldier. You OK now?’
He gave her a lopsided smile. ‘Never better.’
‘Now, let’s eat, get dressed, and light out of here. We’ve got a hot date with our friends for after-dinner drinks.’
Rina stood in the middle of the rooftop bar in New Rambasa, the night air cool against her bare shoulders.
Behind her, the horizon was smeared in violet and peach.
Warm chatter surrounded her, the clink of glasses, the occasional laughter rising in pockets.
The city pulsed below, street lights flickering like stars.
It was a rare evening of peace, one she hadn’t realized she was desperate for until she exhaled into it.
Mo loomed beside her, tall, solid, his arm brushing hers now and then in quiet reassurance. He was attentive in a way that made her smile in wonder.
He topped up her drink without being asked.
Neither did he question why she was drinking a Virgin Margarita crafted with orange, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling water.
He was a droll, witty conversationalist, laughed at Issa’s pointed jokes. He even got Sheba snacks when she walked in hungry, and delved with Ki’Remi into Rider-related topics.
Most of all, he was present and caring with Rina, hands on her at all times. It was a tad possessive, but she leaned into it, and her friends took note.
Sheba gave her an arched brow and a sly grin. Ki’Remi winked when Mo pulled Rina’s chair out for her.
Even Mirage, who rarely expressed any opinion on matters of the heart, granted her an approving nod.
She added a smirk as she smoked a synth cheroot and reclined back in her seat, blowing smoke into the air.
Minutes later, Sheba found her moment.
She looped her arm through Rina’s and tugged her toward the balcony under the pretense of admiring the view.
‘So,’ she drawled, eyes bright. ‘You and Mo got it on after all?’
Rina bestowed a crooked smile on her close friend, her gaze flicking to the city lights. ‘We did. We’re taking it one day at a time. You know how it’s been. We’re dealing with a shitshow of a mission that crosses over into both our jobs, which makes things complicated. We’re not rushing it.’
‘Complicated, huh?’ Sheba’s tone was thick with disbelief. ‘You’ve only ordered mocktails all night. You’re glowing like Alphetraz at full phase. Something’s up.’
