Page 202 of Micah

“But you also told me Jersey Iron depends on those cryo tanks.”

She's been listening.

Of course she has.

“You can't be in two places at once.”

I wish she hadn't figured that out.

I sigh.

“I don't want to leave but I don’t want to smother you either.”

“You’re not leaving me forever, silly man,” she says and kisses me on the mouth quickly.

Too quickly. But I let her get away with it for now.

“Promise you’ll be careful? No going into the alley or leaving the main room for anything?”

“I promise.”

I lean down and I kiss her this time. And no, it’s still not nearly as long as I'd like. Not nearly as deeply as I want.

But it’s enough to remind both of us that I'll be back.

When I pull away, I rest my forehead against hers for the briefest second.

“Okay. I’m going. But keep your phone on and in your pocket.”

“I will.”

“And call me if you need anything.”

“I will. But don't forget...”

A mischievous grin spreads across her face.

“...the interior cameras you installed.”

She lowers her voice.

“You know you can check on me anytime.”

I blink.

Well.

She caught that, did she?

Little troublemaker.

I shake my head, unable to stop myself from smiling.

“Princess, you keep saying things like that...”

“What?”

“I might never leave.”