Page 94 of Monster Mania

“That doesn't exactly narrow it down,” she said.

“Fine,” he agreed. He stepped closer. “You're stubborn.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Good start.”

“You drink whiskey straight,” he reminded.

“Correct,” she agreed.

“You have terrible taste in vehicles,” he teased.

“Fuck you,” she said, with no real heat.

“You're mean before coffee,” he said.

“You've known me two days,” she grumbled.

“And?” She smiled up at him. “You run when you're scared.” That wiped the smile away, but Jackhammer didn't apologize. “You've spent seven years surviving.”

“Yes, I did,” she said.

“You don't have to do that here,” he insisted. Her eyes filled. “I'm not asking you to forget your father, or Shadow, or your mom. I'm not asking you to decide what Bishop means to you today.”

“Hammer—” she whispered, wiping at the tears that now ran down her cheeks.

“I'm asking one thing,” he whispered.

“What are you asking me?” she asked.

“Do you want to leave?” Angel stared at him, and Jackhammer's heart hammered in his damn chest. This was the part he hated—the waiting and giving someone the chance to walk away. He'd done it before with Cassie, Marlene, and Ellie, and they all left him. He was left with the same empty space afterward. Angel looked toward her duffel. Jackhammer forced himself not to say anything because this was her choice.

Finally, she whispered, “No.”

He wasn't sure he'd heard her. “What?”

“I don't want to leave,” she admitted. Something inside him cracked wide open as Angel laughed through her tears. “Don't look so shocked.”

“I thought—” he started.

“I know what you thought.” She stepped closer. “I've been thinking about leaving since the second I walked into this place.”

“That makes a man feel special,” he mumbled.

“Shut up.” He smiled, and Angel placed her palm against his chest. “Then last night happened.” His smile faded. “And every time I thought I was alone, one of you was there by my side.” Jackhammer covered her hand with his. “I don't know how this works,” she admitted.

“Neither do we,” he said.

“Ghost acts like he does,” she said.

“Ghost is full of shit,” Hammer grumbled.

“I heard that.” They turned to find Ghost standing in the doorway.

Angel laughed. “How long have you been there?”

“Long enough,” he said.

Jackhammer glared at him. “Ever heard of knocking?”