“Enlightened self-interest,” I say instead. “Can’t fight Dragan if I’m stuck babysitting.”
Ariel laughs miserably and shakes her head. “There’s the bastard I remember.” She turns, sighs, and starts the slow trek up the stairs.
I could follow her. Maybe we could have a real conversation, an honest one, one where we stop hiding our bullshit and let the real truth come out, even if it’s ugly.
Or, if not that, then maybe I could get some sleep of my own. I’m running this broken body with nothing but fumes, and if I keep pushing it, sooner or later, everything will fail on me.
Instead, I make for the front door to do another lap around the perimeter. Checking for danger in every shadow.
In the darkness, I can almost convince myself that this temporary peace will be enough. That I can be co
