Page 175 of Depths of Destruction

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He swallows hard, staring at the ocean. "I don't want to discuss it. No offense."

"Okay. Sorry I said anything."

He smiles. "No worries. How was your session?"

"It was—"

Blaise's cell phone is on the table and vibrates. I pick it up and hand it to him.

"Javier. Everything okay?"

My pulse increases.

Breathe. It doesn't mean anything is bad.

Blaise winks and gives me a thumbs-up. "That's good. Gabriella and the kids doing well?"

"Great. Okay, I'll let you go, then. Talk soon. Bye."

Thump. Thump. Thump.My heart bangs in my chest.

"Javier said he should be home soon."

"When?"

"Soon."

"That isn't really an answer."

Blaise laughs. "You would make a horrible soldier."

"Hey, I'll have you know your brother is very impressed with my jungle skills."

"Your jungle skills?"

"Yep," I proudly boast.

Blaise chuckles. "I'll take your word for it."

"So, is there a certain range of days that soon means?"

"Nope."

I move side to side, rubbing my back against the chair.

"Stop doing that."

"It's itchy."

"That must be your scabs healing. It's a good sign."

I scrape my back on the chair again. "Well, it's driving me crazy."

"Let me see."

Blaise walks behind me, and I lean forward. He lifts my shirt. "Naomi, you have to stop scratching. You're bleeding now."

I groan. "Seriously?"

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