Page 54 of Revolt

“You can know everything. You only have to ask,” Dal says slowly. “About any of us. We won’t hide or lie about anything.”

“Look, it’s fine,” I start, but Astro leans in.

“He means it, beautiful. My full name is Astro Michael Vasileiou. I was born in Greece, and I lived there until my teens when we moved to the States for my dad’s job in the military. My mother is a chef, and I have two siblings, both younger. I joined the military right out of school and was eventually moved into these fuckers’ unit.”

“Stop—”

“My full name is Cillian Walsh, no middle name. You probably guessed, but my parents are Irish. I lived there for a few years, which I don’t remember, and then we moved. I joined the military after college and was put in their unit. No siblings, and I’m not close with my parents. They loved me, but they weren’t meant to be parents, and we haven’t spoken in a long time. These fuckers are my family.”

“Seriously,” I protest. “You don’t need to do this.”

“No, you’re right,” Raff murmurs. “We do. You should know who we are, who is protecting you and in your house.” It’s clear he wants to say more, but he can’t in case someone is listening.

“Dal means moon. I was born under a full moon. My mother raised me alone as a single parent. She died when I was nineteen. I didn’t have a good childhood, and that translated to being a bad adult. I found my place in Raff’s unit.”

I wonder what that means, but I don’t have the balls to ask. There’s something cold about Dal, something dark, and part of me recognizes it, even while part of me understands I probably don’t want to know. I’ve seen that look in people’s eyes before, usually from the streets and years of abuse and problems.

Without meaning to, I look at Raff.

“Raffiel Walker. I grew up in Australia, and I still have a house there. No family because I was an orphan. My family became my job. I loved being in the armed forces, but I wanted something else. I was searching until now. My favorite color is the color of your eyes.”

Cillian grins. “Oh shit, that was smooth.”

“You can ask us whatever you want, but know that opening up goes both ways, Reign. Now eat,” Raffiel orders, and unsure what to say to that, I start to eat.

“My favorite color is black,” I mutter.

“That’s not even a color,” Astro teases.

“Fine, what’s yours?” I smile, but I feel better now that I know some of their past, just like they knew I would. They always know what to say or how to fix something if they fuck up. It’s refreshing.

“Blue.” He grins widely. “Like the ocean.”

“Of course,” I mutter. “What’s yours, Dal?”

“Red, like blood.” He shrugs as my mouth gapes, but none of the others seem bothered. I keep eating, wondering what the hell happened to Dal to make him automatically say bloodred.

“Cillian?” I ask, looking away.

“Green.” He grins, making me smile back, and they finally start to eat. With the first bite, they groan.

“Shit, this is so good, maybe even better than my mom’s—don’t tell her that,” Astro mutters, covering his mouth as I giggle.

“I won’t.” I scoop up more noodles and chicken and devour the whole plate, going back for seconds. I always feel better when I eat here. Once the table is clear, Mom heads over.

“I will have dessert brought out.”

“Mom,” I whine, but she glares at me, and I shut my ass up.

“Now.” She sits and takes my hands, completely ignoring the guys. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Do not lie to me, young lady.” I snap my mouth shut as she stares at me, always seeing the truth. “I never liked that Tucker—”

“I know. He didn’t like cheesecake, and you said it was a sign.” I grin.

“Well, it’s true.” She huffs.

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