The answer is probably because the universe hates all of us.
Amelia’s smile fades, but not all the way. “Okay.”
My body stills. “Okay?”
She nods. “I’ll do it. For now. If it keeps Jeremy uncertain. If it helps me keep August safe. But I’m not trading one man’s control for another man’s protection.”
“No,” I say.
“I mean it.”
“I heard you.”
“If you start ordering me around, I’ll pepper-spray you.”
“That pink thing won’t work on me.”
“I’ll buy a bigger one.”
Whiskey lifts his pen. “Add pepper spray to the morning list.”
Lottie calls from the kitchen, “Already did.”
Amelia startles. “How many people are listening?”
Everyone suddenly looks busy.
I shrug. “Welcome to Hell.”
Sophie pats Amelia’s arm. “Privacy is more of a goal than a guarantee here.”
Amelia looks horrified.
Then tired.
Then almost amused.
Good.
Amused is better than terrified.
Legend steps toward her. “This is temporary. We sort Vale. We sort the blood question. We sort Oregon if it needs sorting. Until then, Derby is on you.”
Her brows lift.
I grin. “Prez, phrasing.”
Legend points at me. “Don’t start.”
“Too late,” Royal murmurs.
Amelia blushes again.
I like it.
I should not.
I do anyway.