"What card do they have? And you know what it is, don't you?"
Another wave of silence descended over the dining room as Lucian studied the curious look on Ashley's face.
Of course, he knew.
If he hadn't, he wouldn't have spiraled the way he did.
Lucian drew a deep breath, trying to find the words. But his voice wouldn't come.
How could he say the things he needed to say when his entire wiring made it impossible to say them?
His throat bobbed. Before he could manage anything, Ashley spoke.
"It's okay if you can't tell me right now. But I'd want to hear it when you're ready."
Surprise crept slowly onto his face as he looked back at her and found the subtle, warm smile she was giving him. Ashley nodded, reassuring him without a word.
"So?" she hummed, her voice deliberately lighter to keep the mood from sinking. "What do you want me to do? Find out who's conspiring behind your back?"
"No," he shook his head. "That would be too dangerous, even for you."
