Naomi's face turned approximately the color of her hair. "He does do that."
"I'm a connoisseur."
"You're a pervert with an ability that turned being thorough into a survival mechanic." Belle stood and brushed stray grass from her skirt, then reached down to pull me to my feet. Her grip surprised me—strong fingers, callused palm, the kind of hand strength you didn't expect from someone whose combat role began and ended with a crossbow and pointing at shiny things. "Tonight. Your room. Nine o'clock. Hikaru's got his pre-gate medical clearance, so the apartment's empty."
"You memorized Hikaru's appointment schedule?"
"I memorize everything useful." Belle held eye contact just long enough to make sure I understood the subtext, then let her hand drop. "Bring the bottles. I want full vault storage before we set foot in that gate tomorrow."
