Invaded (Alienated, #2)(34)

Cara settled in cross-legged miniature atop Aelyx’s bedspread, taking them both in—Syrine sprawled out beside him and shaking with laughter, a few feathers in her hair, pillows strewn about. But this game wasn’t funny anymore. Syrine didn’t understand human jealousy or how easily seeds of doubt could take root in Cara’s mind.

“It’s true.” Aelyx addressed Cara but threw a sharp look at Syrine. “I can’t wait to tell you about Syrine’s new lover.”

Syrine pushed upright. “You wouldn’t.”

“I would.”

“But you started it!”

“And I’ll finish it.”

Syrine heeded his warning and left the room without another word. She did, however, sneak in a dirty glare at him before pulling the door shut.

“Did I interrupt something?” Cara brushed off a bit of lint from her tunic in a carefree gesture, but she couldn’t disguise the irritation in her voice. “Because I can call back tomorrow if you’d rather finish your pillow fight.”

“It’s not like that.” Aelyx swept the feathers to the floor and hid the evidence, though he’d done nothing wrong.

“I don’t know,” Cara said, staring into her lap. “Syrine seems to spend a lot of time in your bedroom…when she’s not cooking for you.”

“I cook for myself now.” Though he chose not to tell her why. The government had gone to great lengths to cover up news of the bombing, and if Cara knew about the constant attempts on his life, it would only add to her worry. “Syrine and I were roommates in the Aegis, remember? We’re just starting to mend our friendship. I wish you’d trust me.”

Cara didn’t reply, but the color staining her cheeks betrayed embarrassment or shame, he couldn’t tell which.

“Elire,” he said softly, “look at me.”

She peeked at him through her lashes.

“You’re the only one I love. I’ve shown you. You’ve felt my emotions, the way I care for you so deeply it hurts. Do you remember that feeling—how strong it was?” When she nodded, he asked, “Do you think that’s changed in the last few weeks?”

She shook her head. “You’re right. Syrine’s just a friend, and logically, I get that. But I’m in a weird place right now. I feel like an egg with a crack in my shell, and I don’t know how to hold it together.”

He wasn’t sure he understood, so he told her, “I miss you.”

That seemed to get through to her. Her face broke into a sad smile. “Me, too. More than you know. When something weird or funny happens, I look for you because you’re the first person I want to tell. But then I remember you’re not here, and it stings.” She rubbed her chest to show him. “Every single time.”

“I miss touching you,” he said, extending a finger as if to caress her cheek. “It’s strange to think the feel of your skin ever made me uncomfortable. Now it’s all I want.”

Her smile brightened. “Know what I miss most about you?” In her excitement, she didn’t wait for his answer. “Your smell.”

“My what?” That wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He’d hoped she missed touching him, too. “That doesn’t say much about my kissing skills, does it?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. You’ve got skills.” She bit her lip, then added, “Mad skills.”

That was better. Aelyx felt himself sitting a bit taller. “But still, my scent? Of all the things to miss about me…”

“It’s amazing. Sweet and spicy with a dash of something else, like the way the woods smell after a long rain.” She closed her eyes and inhaled, going dreamy. Her door hissed open, but she paid no heed to whoever entered her room. “I used to wonder if all L’eihrs smelled like that, but it’s just you. I wish I had one of your shirts to sleep in. Then I could pretend you were with me.”

“Oh, God,” groaned a male voice from her room. “Excuse me while I puke and die.” When the male strode into view, it took Aelyx a moment to identify him as Cara’s brother. Troy had practically shaved his head. He shot Aelyx a glare and sneered, “Hey, Alex.”

Aelyx ignored the jab. “Did you really miss your transport?”

Instead of responding, Troy shoved half the contents of a nutrient pack into his mouth.

“Um,” Cara said, “he sort of missed it accidentally on purpose.”

Of course he did. Humans. “Well, I suggest you don’t miss it again. The Patriots think you’re being detained against your will, and my crisis communications specialist wants you to set the record straight.”

“Your crisis communications specialist?” Cara said.

“Don’t ask.”

“No worries,” Troy said. “If I miss my ship again, I might as well stay here, because my CO will put his boot down my throat.”

“Then I’ll make sure you forget,” Cara said, poking her brother in the arm.

Troy flicked the side of her head, but something poignant and bittersweet passed between them. It only lasted an instant, but Aelyx noticed. Until now, he hadn’t realized the intensity of their sibling bond, and he suddenly understood why Troy had “accidentally on purpose” missed his transport home. Cara must have been struggling to adjust to Aegis life more than she’d let on during her nightly calls. She was keeping things from him, just like he’d hidden the latest attacks from her.