Page 70 of Axis of Fire

Too serious.

“Not for a while,” I said flatly.

I didn’t want to talk about it.

Didn’t want to revisit the past—

which was already clawing its way back in without permission.

“What helps you fall asleep afterward?”

I was grateful he didn’t ask for details.

But I still pressed my lips together at the question.

It had always been Dwayne.

Our rooms were next to each other.

He always heard when I had nightmares—

his sleep was too light.

He’d come in.

And I’d fall asleep in his arms.

But I wasn’t going to tell Airis that.

Dwayne, Gwendolyn, Mike—

none of them would be there for me the way they used to.

I needed to learn how to survive without them.

“I asked you a question,” he said, his voice colder now.

I exhaled.

He wasn’t going to drop it.

Just like with the pastries.

“They helped.”

“How?”

I swear, one more second under that gaze and I’d start overheating.

“Hugs.”

I avoided looking at him, speaking quickly—

almost rushing the words.

“Let’s just pretend nothing happened. I’m not a kid. I’ll figure it out—”

The bed creaked.