Kissing her temple, I squeeze her shoulder. “I know, sweetheart. Just . . . don't start a physical relationship with him. Fact is you’re young and legally, he’d lose his job and probably go to prison.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Interpol finds out and they take statutory rape seriously. Whether you consent or not, you’re not old enough.”
“How old do I have to be?”
“As long as we’re in Maryland . . . sixteen.”
Her brows crease as she runs a hand through her hair. “Okay.”
We sit in silence, watching as Dresden puts Samuel through his paces. The kid keeps up for the most part, but I know Dresden isn’t going full force. Not like he does when we train.
“Mom, can I ask you something without you getting angry?”
“Sure.”
“Is something going on between you and Uncle Dresden?”
I cough, choking on the breath flowing into my lungs. “Why does everyone think that? Christ, no. There is nothing going on between us, Sorina. We are friends. That’s it.”
“Dad thinks there is. So does Agent Johanson.”
Anger boils in my veins. “Well, your father and I have already discussed this. Agent Johanson can go fuck herself.”
Sorina opens her mouth but closes it quickly. Shaking my head, we turn our attention back to the boys.
If this shit keeps up, I’m going to gut someone.
8
~Lily~
The dinner table is quiet, except for the hushed conversation between Sorina and Samuel. Blake keeps his left hand on my thigh, gently squeezing it every few minutes. I’ve been trying to get him to put the sling back on, but he’s as stubborn as ever.
“So, Blake,” Vlad says, finally breaking the silence. “Have you and Lily decided on a wedding date, yet?”
I laugh. “Vlad, can we get through one thing at a time, please.”
“Yes. His father and I would like to give them a large wedding, not some hidden thing here.” Carmen’s tone is sweet, but still sharp around the edges.
I’ve hardly seen any of them in the month we’ve been here. Everyone’s kept to themselves. It’s hard for Dresden and me to get out of our routine, every morning we’ve trained for two hours, and he spends the afternoons training with Samuel.
“If there’s a wedding,” Maria mutters under her breath.
Blake gives her a look that could kill. “Don’t start,” he snaps at her.
“Whatever. I’m sure Dresden won’t mind sharing now that they’re home.”
I slam my fist on the table making everyone jump. “If one more person accuses me of that, I swear to god, I’ll put a bullet in every motherfucker in this room and then we won’t need WITSEC anymore. I did not, have not, and would not have sex with Dresden. No offense, man.”
“Is this why everyone has been so standoffish? You all think something is going on with Lily and me.” Dresden’s voice is deadly low. “Shannon?”
She’s the only one who looks as agitated as I feel.
“No, Dresden, I don’t. Everyone else does, but I know neither of you would do that. My brother is everything to Lily. Unlike some people, I don’t doubt she’d stay faithful to him, and I don’t doubt you’ve stayed faithful to me.”
Her gaze meets mine, and sadness flashes in her brown irises.