“No, I don’t.” Radley released her and stepped back, giving her space when it appeared she wasn’t running away. With a sigh, he rubbed at his eyes as if he couldn’t figure out what to say. “I hate the circumstances that brought you to me, that put me in debt with your father, but I don’t hate you. Despite our arguments, I can tell you’re. . . good. I’ve never met a fae like you, and I’ve put all my bias on your shoulders because of it.”
Cricket wiped at her face and sniffed. “You’re just saying that because you want to pay off your debt.”
“I’m not,” he growled. “Look, I’m sorry I haven’t been working with you well. You’re right about me being a primitive asshole.”
“I never said that,” she pointed out.
“But you’ve thought it. I prefer big guns to magic and cars that can push others out of the way. I don’t know how not to be gruff. But I happen to think, if we can somehow find a balance between my abrasiveness and your magical logic, we could win the Games.”
She stared at him for a moment, absorbing his words. “You do?”
Radley nodded. “I do. So let’s let them clean up the wreck and we’ll grab another one. We keep practicing until we get it right, and then we practice some more.”
Cricket didn’t speak for a few seconds, not knowing if he was playing tricks on her or not, but for now, she decided to trust him. What other choice did she have? Give up entirely? Nodding her head, she whispered, “okay.”
“You’re a better driver,” he adds with a sigh. “I’ll be a better navigator than I’ve been.” He reached forward and chucked her under the chin. “Now, come on. Let me see some of that light back in your eyes.”
The small hesitant smile she gave him had him scowling.
“That’s hardly light. You’re a fae for fuck’s sake. You’re supposed to sparkle.”
Her eyes narrow on him, and she moved passed him, annoyed. When she got right up beside him, she patted him on the shoulder condescendingly. “You’re a good boy, Radley,” she mocked.
He snorted but instead of getting insulted, he straightened and puffed out his chest. “I’m the best boy. Get your story straight, sugar plum.”
Cricket tried not to notice that her giggle made his smile just a little bit bigger, but it was hard to ignore the wolf who was slowly growing on her every day.
If only they could work as a team all the time, then maybe they’d stand a chance.