Page 186 of Fractured Allegiance

Even though it's killing me.

At 9:13 PM, the elevator dings.

Dom steps out, carrying a tray. Food, by the smell of it.

He walks toward me, grinning. "Dinner service."

I step aside.

He stops. Looks at me. "You still have the key?"

I pull it from my pocket. Hold it up.

"Good. Open it."

I freeze.

"What?"

"Open the door, Silas. I've got my hands full." He lifts the tray slightly, like that explains everything.

This is another test.

I know it is.

They want to see if I'll hesitate. If I'll look nervous. If opening the door to her room makes me react differently than opening any other door.

I take the key.

Slide it into the lock.

Turn it.

The door clicks open.

"Here," Dom says, shoving the tray into my hands. "Take it in to her. I'm not a fucking waiter." He grins. "Besides, Drazen wants to see how you handle being in the same room with her. Think you can manage?"

I take the tray. "Not a problem."

He steps aside, gesturing me in.

I enter.

The door closes behind me but doesn't lock. Dom is right outside, watching through the crack.

Lydia is standing by the window. Turns when she hears me.

Our eyes meet.

I keep my face neutral. Walk to the table. Set the tray down. The dishes clink—loud in the quiet room.

"Dinner," I say flatly. Professional.

Lydia moves toward the table slowly, and she sits down.

She doesn't look at me. Just reaches for the glass of water.

And she speaks. "Thank you."