Page 104 of Fly's Path

I open the door before he can get around the car. “You don’t have to walk me to the door. I appreciate the ride.”

Integer ignores me, squaring his shoulders as we walk up the steps.

Why is he acting like he’s going to a firing squad?

“Really, I appreciate everythi—”

The front door is flung open. Maverick stands there, glowering. “Where is he?”

Integer visibly starts shaking.

Men are so weird. “This is Integer. He gave me a ride home. Wasn’t that nice of him?” I step between Integer and Maverick.

Integer’s arms go around me as he shifts me until I’m standing behind him. “Fly was pulled away to handle an issue. He asked me to deliver her to you safely.”

“An issue I would be interested in?” Maverick raises an eyebrow.

Integer shakes as he holds me firmly behind his back, which makes no sense.

“Possibly. Though he would appreciate it if you ensured her safety and that of the others while he handles this issue.”

Maverick nods.

What others?

Why are they talking in some sort of man code?

This is edging towards rudeness. Integer seemed blunt, but not rude.

“Then I will go.” Integer turns to me. “Think about what I said.” He walks away without another word.

Men are infuriating.

What do I do?

“Are you okay?” Maverick’s voice is softer than I’ve ever heard, except when he’s talking to Dahlia.

“I’m fine.” Tears fill my eyes. “Thank you. I think I’ll go for a run. You have a nice night.” I sneak past him and dash up the stairs, brushing away tears that I can’t explain.

A knock sounds at the door just as I pull on my sweats. “Come in.”

Dahlia opens the door and pokes her head in. “Hi. Is everything alright?

For once, I really appreciate my tendency towards chaos since clothes completely cover the food in my suitcase.

“I brought up some milk and cookies and thought you might want to talk about your date.”

Milk and cookies…I start bawling my eyes out for no reason at all.

Dahlia rushes over and wraps her arms around me. “It’s okay. Everything will be okay. Was he mean to you? Did he hurt you?”

What? “No. I fell asleep in his arms.”

“Oh…OH.” She steps over to my bed and sinks down. “Are we happy about that or sad?”

“Terrified.”

She nods. “Ahh.”