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The software connected to the phone begins working on a location as Silla watches and listens.

“You’re sure? That’s a pity, I had a big job for the Queen planned, but if you’re not interested she can find someone else.” She sighs.

It’s not well known that there are times that Queen Cinder will hire mercenaries for her dirty work, but I can hear the woman on the other end of the phone falling over herself to respond to Silla.

Eyes narrowing, Silla taps on the keyboard, so that I can see what she does. Quietly, I begin working on my side to find their location, but my software needs them to be on the phone for at least ten minutes to triangulate their location.

And then another ten to find exactly where they are using video camera feeds, etc. I don’t need them on the phone for that, though.

Silla continues to bullshit her way through the conversation, and when I nod, she cuts off the call.

“Thank you for your time, we’ll be in touch. There’s another company we are also vetting for this job,” she says mildly.

Hanging up the call, she takes a photo from me of a few of their mercenaries, checking the video feeds for a match.

People come into the courtyard, but quickly leave when they see our intense faces as we work. Grayson walks out as Silla squeals in excitement, as we’re getting closer to where they’re hiding out.

“You two have been busy,” he murmurs, sitting on a bench to watch us work.

“Fuck, we’re so damn close to these bastards,” I sigh. I bounce between traffic light cameras, bakeries, etc as I look before throwing their photos in for face recognition in that area in disgust.

Silla bites her lip, working another angle, while I glance at Grayson with my eyebrow raised. “I took on a job I needed a little help with,” I say quietly, not wanting to bother our little hacker.

Silla grumbles under her breath, and I can see from her determination that she’s chasing down a lead.

“This is the one you needed an extra set of hands, huh?” he asks quietly. I’ve been trying to get these guys alone for the last few weeks, before deciding to tackle it another way.

“Yeah,” I grunt. “Sometimes you have to admit defeat and ask for help.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Silla’s lip twitch in amusement as she hears my words. My program beeps one second after she cries out in triumph.

“Got ‘em,” she crows. “Ha! I’m better than the computer. Go me!”

Silla does the cutest little dance in her seat as I grin in pleasure. “I had no doubts that you were better than my automated system,” I smirk.

Blowing out a breath, she smiles widely at me. “This was amazing. I haven’t done anything that much fun in ages!”

Inclining my head, I say, “It was my pleasure. You’re my favorite person to code with.”

I’m saying so much more with my words, and her eyes soften. There’s a light sheen appearing, making me frown. I didn’t want to make her cry. Fuck.

“I think I have something in my eyes,” she whispers, getting up. “Excuse me.”

Silla leaves the courtyard as if she’s on fire, leaving me really confused. Leaning back in my chair, I throw my hands up in frustration. “Fuck,” I mutter.

“You’ve been doing all the right things,” Grayson says gently. “I think she’s confused, and wants to let you back in, but doesn’t know how now that she’s put up her boundaries.”

“I miss her,” I tell him. “I love seeing her, spending time with her, but I want to fucking hold her too.”

“You’ll get there. Stop holding back is my suggestion. Pull her onto your lap, do all the things that were natural to you both,” Gray advises as I nod.

But what do I do when none of that is natural anymore?

ANDRYA

Curling up next to Silla at the end of the day is my favorite thing to do. She saw Isaac earlier, and has been a little off ever since. I think she feels stuck.

“Hey, Beautiful,” I breathe, pushing her hair out of her face as we lay in my bed.