Page 71 of Marks of Rebellion
"Pick a building, any building," I tease.
"Maybe we should break all the buildings in before we leave."
"I'm seriously starting to think I'm a really hot stud."
She reaches up and pats my cheek. "You are a really hot stud."
"Good answer. I think I'll have to give you something extra for pumping my ego up so much. Next time we see Dirk, can you remind him how I'm the hot one?"
"What about Ryker? Should I tell him?"
"Nah. He has to deal with Julieta. That's enough misery for one guy."
Vanessa stops. "Don't say that about Julieta."
"I was only kidding."
"No, you weren't. She's been through a lot."
Guilt rears its ugly head. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Can you try harder to not fight with her?"
"I was only kidding, but I shouldn't joke. And I hope she was drunk last night and not serious about what she talked about doing."
Vanessa's face hardens.
"What?"
She quietly says, "Did you think I was drunk?"
And there goes your mouth messing everything up again.
"No, Flower. Do we need to talk about that again? Because—"
"There are reasons she feels that way and would even consider doing something like that."
My stomach twists. "I'm sorry I said that. I wasn't thinking."
"Try to be nicer to her, okay? Kill her with kindness."
"All right. I will. It was a bad joke. I honestly didn't mean anything by it."
"Okay."
We get to the front door and knock. I lean down to Vanessa's ear. "Do you want to punish me for my bad behavior later?"
She elbows me, and the door opens.
Julieta has wet hair and is...well, she looks like she's glowing, which makes me a bit uncomfortable. "Good morning," she chirps and steps back so we can come in.
"Morning," Vanessa cheerfully responds and hugs her.
"Here, have this coffee. I just poured it and started another pot."
"Ummm...thank you." I take the mug and want to take a sip but wonder if maybe she poisoned it.
"Don't stand at the door. Come in."
