Page 27 of Hidden

Nobody says anything.

Nobody is surprised, either.

Leif and Davi look at each other. I know that look. I’ve given that look, over a donor file, a problem that just solved itself. It’s the look of confirmation. Thirty-two years of we don’t know what’s wrong with you.

The floor does something.

I open my mouth to say more.

But I can’t. Because I think of Callie.

Callie, who?—

The room holds its breath with me.

I need to get to Callie.

“You’ve got the wrong impression.” My voice is somebody else’s voice again. “This was two people, some aggression, and a door. I didn’t sign up for whatever this is.”

“She does this.” Davi’s voice is dry, almost fond, directed at Leif more than me. “Talks more the less she wants to feel something.”

“I’m standing right here.”

“I know.” He smirks. “It’s adorable.”

“Hadley.” Leif again, his voice careful like his words are about to spook me more. “There are things we need to tell you before this goes any further. Tell me, what do you know of your birth parents?”

I frown, unconsciously leaning back into Enzo. “What?”

Real dignified, Hadley.

“Your birth parents.” He steps closer, until I’m all but sandwiched between him and Enzo. “You are a very, very special woman, Hadley.”

“Explain. Fast. And use small words. At least one that isn’tspecial, because every time you say special a little more of my patience dies.” He opens his mouth and I stop him, even though I asked him to speak. “What is this?”

“This is you, hopefully, choosing us.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

“I’m hearing you. You’re just not saying anything. It’s a real gift, honestly. All those words, zero content.”

“It’s not an easy thing to understand.” He deflects. “There are things I cannot say. Not outright.”

“Auspicious.”

“He’s not being cagey to be a dick.” Davi speaks up. “There are rules. The dick part’s just a bonus.”

“Things you have to figure out on your own.” Leif keeps going like neither of us said a word. “Because if I told you, you’d never accept the words.” He closes his eyes and inhales slowly. Then opens them to my confused face. “Life is about to move very, very fast for you, Hadley.”

Not fast enough.

“I should go.” I wiggle. Enzo doesn’t let go.

“Do you really want to go right now?” Leif says instead.

“Yeah. To check on Callie.”