Page 145 of Playing Her Game

“You started that shit Reznik.” Aleks laughs.

We all huddle together, and Lenzin tries his best, but Gabe whistles and the team photographer comes over. We all take pictures, just our group and Rez, then Rez and Gabe, then the rest of the Phoenixes still in the area.

“One more, just us,” he says, lifting my hand. “And I won when she said yes for socials?”

“I’d love that, and then I want a moment alone?”

“Yeah, fuck yeah.” He smiles.

Gabe catches Rez's eye, then looks at me. There's no knowing comment, no question about why I've come. He only gives Rez a brief pat on the shoulder before following the others.

One by one, they drift toward the exit, leaving us a little space without making a show of it.

Rez turns to me. His hand finds mine, his fingers threading through mine as naturally as breathing.

"You're quieter tonight," he says.

I glance up at him. "Am I?"

"You flew across an ocean to surprise me, and you've barely said ten words since you got here."

"I've said more than ten."

His mouth curves, but the amusement doesn't last. He studies my face, and I feel the moment he notices the nerves I've been trying to hide.

"Anna." His thumb moves over my knuckles. "What's wrong?"

I could try to put it off. I could let the others take us to dinner, let him have his birthday, let myself pretend for another hour that I don't have a secret sitting between us.

But I didn't come all this way to hide from him.

"I need to talk to you," I say. "Privately."

His expression changes. "Okay."

He leads me away from the family area, through a side corridor, until we find a quiet alcove near a storage area. It's not elegant, but it's private. The noise of the family area fades to a distant murmur.

Rez sets his bag against the wall and turns to face me. He doesn't let go of my hand.

"What's going on?"

I take a breath. Then another. "I love you.”

His brows draw together. "I love you too, Fancy girl."

"I know. But I need you to listen to me before you say anything else."

Whatever he sees in my face makes him fall silent. I squeeze his hands, trying to find the words I've rehearsed so many times that they've stopped sounding real in my head.

"I want our future together more than I've ever wanted anything. I want the life we've talked about. I want all of it with you."

"Anna."

"Please. Let me finish."

He nods, though the worry in his expression deepens.

"I have something important to tell you, and I need you to hear me out before you react."