Page 107 of Cherish

“You mean you aren’t freaked out about someone literally banking on our death?” I ask her as we cross through the gates.

She shrugs. “Not really. I figure you and Hudson have everything under control.”

“That’s a bit of a stretch, but I admire the vote of confidence.”

Hudson doesn’t say anything, but he does take my hand and lace our fingers together—Hudson/Grace shorthand forwe’ve got this.

“Let’s head back to the hotel,” Eden says. “Maybe Nyaz has started his shift by now.”

“Not to mention my bed is calling my name,” Heather adds. “No wonder you never had time to text me back while you were at Katmere, Grace. Your life is exhausting.”

“You have no idea,” I tell her with a grin. “But I still should have texted you back.”

“When? In between wrangling with gods and bargaining with smugglers?” She shakes her head. “Nope. I officially declare you get a pass for everything that happened before.”

I start to make a joke, but I’m too choked up to say anything. Because it’s just like Heather to let me off easy, even though she probably shouldn’t.

“Yeah, well, from now on, I’ll make sure to text no matter how dangerous the situation,” I finally manage to get out. “In fact, expect nothing short of fawning attention.”

“Well, I always love a good fawning,” she answers with a smile.

Eden raises a brow. “Is that your philosophy on all things or just friendship?”

And on that note, I start walking faster. Some things I don’t need to know—even about my bestie.

But speaking of besties… I pull my hand from Hudson’s, and he gives me a surprised look. At least until I jerk my chin surreptitiously toward Macy, who is walking a little in front of us, head bowed and hands in her pockets. She wasn’t paying attention to Eden or Heather, so whatever this is, it’s not about them.

Hudson nods and drops back to let Jaxon and Flint hassle him some more about being a superhero. On the plus side, at least the two of them aren’t fighting about anything when they have the common goal of messing with Hudson.

Hudson can more than hold his own, though, so I hurry to catch up with my cousin.

“Hey,” I say as I gently bump her shoulder with mine. “How’s it going?”

She shrugs. “Apparently well, since we aren’t going to be trapped here forever after all.”

“It’s definitely one of many things to be thankful for,” I tell her.

“Of course, I’m betting that whatever that Polo guy was referring to kills us on the way out regardless.” She slides me a weak smile to let me know she’s kidding. Sort of.

“Hey, we got this.” I shoulder-bump her again. “Besides, that’s not what I meant. You still have things—and people—to be thankful for, Macy. You know that, right?”

“I know.” But she doesn’t say anything more.

I let a couple of minutes of silence pass before I try again. “If you want to talk about—”

She cuts me off. “I don’t.”

“Okay, then. Maybe ‘want’ was too strong a word. What I meant—”

“I know what you meant, Grace.” She shoots me another small smile thatalmostmakes it to her eyes.

I sigh. “I just love you, Mace.”

“I know.” She swallows. “Love you, too.”

“Whatever you need, I’m here,” I whisper. “Hey, you had my back when I first arrived at Katmere, remember, roomie?”

A tiny spark starts to flicker in her eyes, so I push ahead. “Maybe I should buyyoua hot-pink comforter.” This time, a half smile lifts one side of her mouth, and I sling an arm around her neck. “With sparkles and sequins and maybe even a feather fringe.”

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