takes him a few minutes to form a response. “That type of thinking is going to get you killed, Lawrence.”
I dig my nails into the palms of my hands to keep my snarky response inside. It’s an effort.
“You don’t…” He rubs a hand over his face. “You’re new to this, and you weren’t in charge. Except for a complete disregard for everyone’s safety, you are not at fault.” Radcliff glances at Beau.
I sense it isn’t going to go well for my partner. And I decide to risk what’s left of my credibility. “Permission to speak freely, sir?”
His shoulders droop and he leans back in his chair. “This should be good. Go ahead, Lawrence.”
“One of the reasons my parents pushed to test my idea was because they were afraid you wouldn’t allow them to experiment later.”
“And they were right,” he says.
“Not even with a full security team nearby?”
His gaze is hard. “No.”
“No offense, sir, but that’s the wrong thing to do.” I hold up a hand to stop the tirade that’s twitching his lips. “Look, Jarren killed me so I wouldn’t figure out what he’s doing. If we’re afraid to investigate every possible clue to determine what he’s up to, then he wins. He’s coming for us before that Protector ship arrives regardless. We need to take risks so we’re ready. Officer Dorey recognizes this need, which is why he allowed the test.”
“Are you done?”
“I’d like to add that I have a special connection to the Warriors, which cannot be refuted as I…er…woke them. They are protecting us. And I think we should find another intact pit that has the symbols for an active Warrior planet and try to contact the scientists working there and have them alert DES about the blockade. Now I’m finished, sir.”
Radcliff once again studies me as if I’m stark raving mad. I suppress a sigh. Without any scientific proof, no one is going to take my advice. And without experimentation, we won’t gather any evidence. It’s one of those paradoxical situations—a catch something or other. Basically, it’ll all come down to trusting a teenager with brain damage. So not happening.
“Your comments have been noted. You’re dismissed, Lawrence.”
I meet Beau’s gaze. He nods and I give him an encouraging smile. Poor guy is about to have his ass handed to him. I grab my ruck and leave. When the door closes behind me, Radcliff’s muffled voice sounds and I rush to increase the distance. No way I want to overhear that lecture.
Niall’s door is open and I pause outside. He’s sitting on his couch, but jumps to his feet when he spots me. Niall grabs my arm and tugs me inside his unit. “How was it? Bad?”
“No. Other than being told I have a complete disregard for everyone’s safety, I did more talking than your father.”
“You did? Should I be worried?”
I recount my comments. “He gave me permission to speak freely,” I add before Niall can tell me I’ve just dug my own grave.
Niall laughs. “And I bet he’s regretting that.”
“Hey!” I punch him on the bicep.
He rubs it even though I didn’t hit him hard. “I wonder if he’s going to take your advice.”
Now it’s my turn to laugh. “Doubtful.”
Turning serious, Niall steps closer. “You have a point. We should test another pit.”
Mr. Sensible agrees with me? That’s scary and sweet. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. It starts out chaste but soon turns deep and passionate.
Sometime…later, Niall breaks away. “Wow, I should…agree with you…more often.”
“You…should.” I’m having trouble catching my breath.
“Now that I have the proper incentive…” He dips his head for another kiss.
This one is just as fiery. And my two layers of clothing are suddenly hot and restrictive. I’m about to suggest we continue this in the shower, when he stops. I groan.
“We need to be on our best behavior, Mouse. My dad’s bound to be upset for a few days.”
“Fine, but in ninety-eight days, you’re mine.” I poke him in the chest. “You and not Mr. Sensible.”
He smiles. “It’s a date.”
“Good.” I step to leave.
Niall touches my shoulder. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For standing up for me.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Niall fidgets with his sleeve, yanking on the stretchy material. “Beau and I don’t have the best relationship so I didn’t know if he included my objections in his report. And I didn’t want to come off all, ‘I told you so.’ Plus we’re a team.”
“Were a team. I doubt your dad will let us be one again.”
Niall meets