He dipped his chin.“Very on-brand for the Fallen Lords.”
I snorted.“On-brand is one word for it.”
Ender’s mouth kicked up at the corner, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.Not fully.I could still see the tension there.
He was trying, though.He was trying to be present with me instead of letting the anger eat him alive.
That mattered.
“What’re you thinking?”I asked.
He studied my face like he was deciding how honest to be.“I’m thinking I’m glad I got you out of there before Alice started asking about… logistics.”
I choked on a laugh.“Oh my God.”
Ender’s eyes warmed.“Exactly.”
I shook my head, cheeks hot again.“Do you think they were watching us?”
He shrugged.“They watch everything.That’s what they do.You got kidnapped, baby.They’re not gonna stop hovering just because you’re back.”
The wordbabyhit me like it always did.Warm and electric at the same time.
I swallowed, then forced myself to focus.“And you?”
His gaze sharpened.“What about me?”
“You were watching the door all day,” I said softly.“You were ready to explode.”
Ender’s jaw flexed, but he didn’t deny it.“I’m fine.”
I gave him a look.
He exhaled, slow.“I’m not fine.I’m… trying.”
“Why did you ask me for a ride?”I asked.
His eyes dropped to my mouth and stayed there for a beat.“Because I needed air.Because I needed to get out of my head.And because…” He paused, then lifted his gaze to mine.“Because I wanted you.Only you.I didn’t feel like sharing you with your mom, Alice, and everyone else.”
My chest squeezed.I licked my lips, suddenly nervous.“Where are we going for a ride?”
He stepped closer, and the space between us shrank until I could feel the heat of him.He tipped his head down and pressed a kiss to my lips.“Just driving, baby,” he murmured against my mouth.“Wherever the road takes us.”
My heart thudded.“Okay,” I whispered, like it wasn’t the easiest yes I’d ever given.
Ender pulled back just enough to look at me.I lifted my hand and touched his cheek.
It was a simple thing.A small thing.
But Ender went still, like no one touched him gently very often.
His hand came up and covered mine, palm warm over my fingers.For a second, it felt like the world stopped.
Then Ender broke it first, because of course he did.He was Ender.He didn’t linger in softness unless I forced him to.
“Helmet,” he said, voice rough.
I smiled.