Page 145 of Knife For Hire

Even if it meant dealing with Kale and Orzo.

“I love you.” The three syllables slip out easily.

And maybe it’s too soon, maybe I don’t quite understand the gravity of the words.

But I feel them. I know the truth of them.

Safe. Free. Loved.

Through every year of guilt, that’s all I have ever wanted.

She stares up at me, her nose turning crimson. “I think—I think—” She slams her eyes shut. “I love you too.”

***

Waking up with my body wrapped around Cinnamon is all I could dream of except…

“Why are you spooning me?” I gripe, forcing my eyes open.

My vision is filled with Cinnamon’s scarlet hair, followed by Kale on her other side wrapped around her.

“I told you we need a bigger bed,” Orzo says behind me. “Now switch places, I need more sleep, and you’ve had your turn.”

I don’t have a chance to comprehend what he is saying before I am forcefully flipped off the bed.

The only reason I don’t fall is Orzo reaching back to grab my arm.

“Shh! You’ll wake her up,” Orzo murmurs, nuzzling in behind Cinnamon as if he hasn’t just thrown me.

I want to argue, to allow the jealousy that simmers up to consume me.

But I shake my head.

She told me it was all of us.

I can handle that if it means I can remain happy.

Happy.

The feeling is foreign, but the longer I watch Cinnamon sleep, the more it fills me.

For too long I lived in the shadow of regret. Meanwhile, she was peeling it back and offering a sun I had long since forgotten.

“Did you figure out where the last of the poison ended up?” I murmur the question softly.

“No,” Orzo whispers, “but if any deaths pop up, we can hunt them down. It won’t be hard. All the factories are gone. Kale has already gotten in touch with the remaining Aldentes, and they were happy to accept him. Most didn’t agree with his father’s choices, and they despised Chard even more.”

“I’ll reach out to Sherry and set up her coming over later. I think… I think Cinnamon is here to stay.”

“No shit. She’s stuck to us now.” He squeezes tighter behind her, and I take that as my queue to grab clothes and leave them.

Double Stuffed

Cinnamon

I’m on fire.