“No...” He said lightly, keeping his gaze away from her exposed leg though they both knew it was at the forefront of his mind. “Was there more to yours?”

“I have a lot of thoughts. I’m a very philosophical lady. Give me a penny for them and maybe I’ll humor you.”

“Penny for your thoughts, then.” He obliged.

“Penny for your thoughts, then.” He obliged.

“Hold up.” She held her hand out. “Payment please.”

It wasn't like Parisa had looked particularly distant, but Feo's enthusiasm filled her eyes with light. Her nose wrinkled in a faint smile as she nodded her assent as he leaned in for another kiss.

Pari's heart skipped a beat and, to her chagrin, her fingers shook just barely against the fabric of his sweater. She curled her hand into a fist to keep it still. Now what?
She'd thought about this for far longer than she'd ever care to admit, but now that they were here, it was... well. She couldn't tell if it was uncertainty or anticipation that rolled her stomach. "You can still run."

“Not when she’s locked herself up in her room and refuses to talk to anyone.” He said, in a lower tone so perhaps the rest of the team wouldn’t hear. “What did you do her, Ardelean?”

“I didn’t do anything,” Gabriel protested, his expression clearing to reveal looking true bewilderment and a bit of concern. “I swear. The last time I talked to her, I mean… she dumped me.”

He clasped her face in his hands and closed the gap between their lips, hyperaware of her warmth pressed into him. Her perfumed scent filled his lungs, and he couldn’t get enough.