He roars with laughter, helping me to my feet. And I wash away the evidence of our X-rated shower.
We take turns cleaning each other before heading out to get dressed.
“Think we’re ready?” he asks as I shove my dirty things into my locker.
“I think we’ve done everything we can to prepare. We’ll keep training and practicing with the weapons, even the ones we know we won’t opt for because we have no idea what will be thrown at us. But beyond that, all we can do now is wait.”
“I know, but I never was very good at waiting. I get antsy.”
“We all do, Blink. We all do.”
“There you are. I thought you’d snuck out and gone home,” Vega says, sauntering into the room.
“Nope, still here.”
“Well, Law is back with enough food to feed an army.”
“Thank God. I’m starving.”
I walk toward him as he grins and turns, dropping into a crouch.
“Need a ride?”
I laugh and climb on, Blink helping to steady me as Vega stands up with me on his back.
“I notice you didn’t offer me a lift. I see how it is.”
“I can’t carry your fat ass,” Vega grumbles, making me snort. There isn’t an ounce of fat on Blink, but the man is huge.
“My ass isn’t fat,” Blink complains.
“Um-hum, whatever you say, Blink.”
We head outside to eat since it’s so nice out.
Graves and Law are already there, with a handful of kids scattered around on the grass, soaking up the sun.
“Looking good, Mamacita,” Carlos calls out with a grin. The guys around him laugh as Graves turns and death stares at him.
“Think it, don’t say it,” I yell back.
“Hey girls, how was your class with Law?”
“It was good, Miss Malice. He’s not as mean as you,” Sarah sasses back.
“Ah, only because I’m immune to that smile of yours, unlike Law over there. He’s a sucker for a pretty girl.”
“True story,” he says.
Vega lets me slide to my feet, as Law walks over, pulling me in for a quick kiss on the temple.
“How was class?” I ask him quietly.
“It was fine. One or two kids I’m keeping my eye on, but for the most part, they are coming along in leaps and bounds.”
“Good. That’s the vibe I’ve been getting too. I just wanted a second opinion to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.”
He rubs my arm. “You’re doing great. Trust your instincts. They haven’t let you down yet.”