She had Amara’s number. Of course, she did. It was about making a point.
Dante: He wants to punch me every five minutes. I want to punch him every four. And I know you have Amara’s number. Say hi to her for me. Thanks.
Morana grinned.
Morana: I admire how much self-restraint you men have.
Morana: And I don’t want to get in between whatever the two of you have going on.
Dante: Touche.
Energized, and truly happy for the first time to have an unconventional relationship where she could be herself and not worry about it, to have a friendship where she could sass and be sassed in return, Morana felt liberated in a way she couldn’t explain. Shaking off her thoughts, her plans for the day materializing, she sent another message to Dante.
Morana: Since you offered me to come to your wing when I needed, I have three questions. A. Is it tapped for audio or video? B. Is there a kitchen? C. Does it have WiFi?
She saw Dante’s figure talk about something to Tristan. Tristan nodded and Dante typed. Interesting.
Dante: A. No, there is no audio/visual invasion of privacy. There are security cameras outside the door but none on the inside.
Dante: B. Yes, there is a kitchen with a fully-stocked fridge so you can eat. You can also order something from the house and one of the staff will deliver it to you.
Dante: C. And yes, of course, there is WiFi. I’m assuming you want to come and work there?
Morana: Yes, if that’s okay with you. I’d like to catch up on the trail of the codes. With everything that’s been happening, it’s time to get back on it. So, A. That’s great. I’d be more comfortable making calls and working where I knew nobody was listening or watching. B. I’d be more comfortable eating there than order something at the house. Best case, someone spit in it; worst case, it’d be poisoned. C. I’ll bring my equipment.
Dante: It’s good. No one will bother you there. Make yourself comfortable and let me know if you need anything else.
Morana looked at the simple message, her eyes misting. Blinking the surprising moisture away, she typed.
Morana: Thank you. I just need directions there.
Dante: I’ll send someone to escort you.
Morana: Thanks.
Slipping away from the window, Morana quickly dressed into a comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt, pushing her feet into flats, glad she’d be able to order her stuff today. Brushing her hair and popping a bright shade on pink on her lips, she put her glasses on and picked up the blade from beside her pillow. Taking her laptop bag from one of the shelves, Morana collected everything important and everything she needed for the day, placed the knife in one of the pockets in the lining of the bag, and zipped it up. Hitching the bag up over her shoulder, she picked up her phone from the bed and headed to the door, seeing the message light flashing again.
Unlocking it, she saw another message from Tristan.
Tristan: Dante and I are heading out for the day. Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t head to the main house until we’re back.
Morana raised her eyebrow at the tone of the text, shaking her head.
Morana: Yes, Mr. Caine. Of course, Mr. Caine. Anything else, Mr. Caine?
There were a few seconds before his reply came on.
Tristan: I’ll see how cheeky you are tonight.
Morana felt her breath catch.
Morana: What’s tonight?
Tristan: Something that’s long overdue.
Morana: Which is?
Tristan: Your mouth, wildcat.