Page 66 of Wings of Ebony
Because she’d know.I snort a laugh, almost spitting out my drink. She really going in on this ride or die thing.
Lines dent Luke’s brow. “Ride or what?”
“Yup,” I say. “She’s right.”
We do our special handshake thing and Luke rolls his eyes.
“Women are so complicated, I swear.” He grabs a cup and takes a sip. “No, but really. Whoever is in trouble, are they okay? I was worried. Is it your mom or family or something?”
Shereallyain’t tell him shit about me.
“Nah, my mom is dead.”
“Wow, sorry,” he says without a flinch.
“It is family though,” I whisper out of earshot of Bri’s mom. “I have a little sister back home in East Row.”
He takes another sip. “That’s terrible. You must be so worried.”
“?’Preciate it.”
“Well, I hope your sister is okay,” he says.
I’m about to say thanks but the door clicks open.
Aasim.
Everyone stands, except me, and Bri’s mother is visibly sweating now. She bows her head several times, muttering things under her breath.
“Thank you,MaimZoryn. There’s really no need for that. I-I… that’s more the Chancellor’s thing.” He clasps her hands. “Thank you for allowing my daughter…”
I catch a chill.
“… in your home with such discretion.”
She bows again and offers him a mug.
“Luke, good to see you,” Aasim says.
They sure are friendly as hell. What happened since I left? Aasim shakes his hand.
“Again, I appreciate all your help. I know it’s no easy task keeping eyes on the man you work for.”
The General? Luke’s been spying on his boss for Aasim?
“Of course, sir.”
“Bri, thanks so much for calling me.”
Bri nods but she doesn’t offer a hand. She’s not overly friendly with him and I appreciate that.
He turns to me. “You’re not wearing it?” He reaches for his own neck.
The necklace? That’s really his first words to me?
“Are you hurt?” he asks as a follow-up. “You doing okay?” The concern and fatherly vibe is weird from him.
“I’d like to talk business.” I toss Bri a look and she nods, pulling Luke along behind her as they leave the room. Her mother follows suit.
