Page 82 of The Red Woman on Mars

“Welcome to my humble home,” August announced as the door swung open.

From the entryway, Vivian spotted a couch and single chair adjacent to a small kitchen with a high counter and two stools. An open bathroom and bedroom were visible just down the hall. “You didn’t say why you have this place. I thought you lived at Yarrow House.”

“So does the press, thank goodness. I’m there often enough, but my aunt can be a bit …”

“Dictatorial,” Xavier suggested.

August grunted. “Anyway, I like having my own space, at least for now. Someday I’ll inherit Yarrow Estate and its council seat, but I trust that will be decades from now.” He gestured to the kitchen. “Grab something to eat. Use the shower and the laundry. Whatever you need. I’ll get out of your way.”

Vivian looked up sharply. “You’re leaving?”

“I need to brief the Arcadian militia. They should know what’s happening in Catena.”

Xavier nodded. “Good. I would do it myself if it weren’t for these damn journalists.”

August pulled the orb out of his pocket and placed it carefully on a high shelf in the kitchen. “Don’t let X smash this with a hammer while I’m gone,” he said to Vivian with a small smile.

“How long will you be away?” Xavier held his cousin’s gaze for a long moment and tilted his head. Something passed between them Vivian couldn’t interpret.

“I’ll bunk with the soldiers,” August finally said in his easy way. He gave Xavier a tight hug. “Stay out of trouble for one night, eh?”

“My only goal is to escort Vivian to Presentation Day,” Xavier replied. “What trouble could I find?”

“I’m sure you’ll drum up something.” He bowed over Vivian’s hand. “Keep an eye on him, my lady. You seem to have a knack for saving him from himself.” He shut the door firmly behind him as he left.

“We should eat, wash up, and get some sleep. I’ll take the couch.” Xavier stepped into the kitchen in two long strides and opened a cabinet. “Spaghetti alright for you?”

“Fine.” Vivian joined him in the kitchen and pulled her weary body onto a tall bar stool adjacent to the high counter. “You don’t have to take the couch.”

Xavier didn’t meet her eyes as he cleaned his hands and filled a large pot with water from the sink. “I believe I do.” He carried the pot to the two-burner induction stove. “You didn’t tell me—who’s the lucky man?”

“Ren Nakamura. If he’ll still have me.” She remembered the beautiful pearl necklace he’d given her. She’d left it carelessly on her bedside table without another thought when she’d departed for Dorsey House.

“Ren!” Xavier scowled. “That ass? He’s enamored with the sound of his own voice.” He opened a jar of marinara sauce with so much vigor it splattered on the wall.

Vivian stood and grabbed a cloth to clean up the spill. “Ren is a good man. And you’re jealous.”

“I’ve no right to be.” He bent his head and seemed to give his full attention to opening the container of pasta.

“Maybe not, but you’re still jealous.” Vivian looked down at the reddened cloth in her hands.Not blood. Pasta sauce.She dropped it in the efficiency laundry.

Xavier leaned back against the counter. “It’s just the thought of that entitled blowhard with his hands all over you …” He made a throwaway gesture with one hand. “My feelings aren’t important. I’m here to support you and your decisions. You’re right—Ren and I don’t often see eye to eye on policy, but he will treat you well.”

“I haven’t made any promises yet,” Vivian murmured, taking a step closer to him.

Xavier dumped the noodles into the boiling water and turned on a timer before rotating to face her. “What are you saying?”

“What if tonight, just this night, belonged to us?” Vivian reached up, her fingertips touching the sides of his throat. When he moved to pull back, she got on her tiptoes and grabbed the back of his neck roughly. Xavier made a sound low in his throat and bent his head to hers.

Silas was the last person to kiss him, Vivian remembered, as she opened her mouth to Xavier’s tongue. She found she didn’t care. And tomorrow, she meant to accept Ren’s offer. None of it mattered, not tonight.

The timer beeped, and they sprang apart. “Dinner,” Xavier said unsteadily.

They ate without speaking, enjoying the simple warm food filling their bellies. Vivian rose and took care of the few dishes. Xavier watched her quietly with a flickering smile.

When she’d finished, he brushed a lock of matted hair back from her face. “We need to clean up.”

They took turns in the small bathroom. The shower had real water, and Vivian closed her eyes and allowed the warmth to wash away the grime of the past few days.Let it all go, she thought. Thedried sweat on her skin. The traces of blood under her fingernails. The smell of fire lingering in her hair.