Page 39 of Riot’s Revenge

Maria nearly choked and the color rushed into her cheeks so fast it was almost impressive.

I looked away before she caught me smiling.

Ghost, unfortunately, noticed everything.

“You’ve literally had sex.”

“Ghost.”

“No, because I’m genuinely confused.”

“That’s not new.”

Ghost looked at me, I looked at Ghost, then we both looked at Maria.

Ghost threw his hands into the air. “Jesus Christ.”

Laughter rippled through the apartment, even Maria’s mouth twitched despite herself. I watched the smile appear before she could stop it, the worry disappeared, and all I could think was that I wanted to see that smile again.

I cleared my throat. “You all done?”

“No,” Ghost said immediately.

“Shut up, Ghost.”

Tiny walked past carrying a lamp. “I’m with him.”

“Nobody asked.”

Ghost grabbed another box. “For the record, nobody believes this casual bullshit anymore.”

“Good thing nobody asked,” I muttered.

The grin he threw over his shoulder made me consider homicide. The others finished unloading another few boxes while Maria shook her head.

“You don’t have to leave your own apartment.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re literally moving out.”

“For a couple of nights.”

“A couple of weeks,” she corrected.

“I’ll survive.”

Maria looked like she wanted to argue. Then her gaze drifted around the apartment. To the stacked boxes and furniture placed haphazardly. The evidence of a day spent moving her life from one place to another.

The fight seemed to leave her all at once. “Thank you.” The words came quietly.

I looked away first, because she was looking at me like I’d done something special. I hadn’t. She needed somewhere to stay. I had somewhere. That was all. Simple.

The others finally headed for the door. Ghost left with a smirk and a warning that I was “domesticated now,” which nearly got him shoved down the stairs. Reaper told Maria to call if I became difficult.

Then it was just us. Maria stood beside the sofa with her arms wrapped around herself. “I’ll find somewhere else as soon as I can.”

“No rush.”