"It's okay, kiri," he said, softening. He touched her hair. "Come to me tomorrow morning. I'm not yet in control of myself."
She was more grateful to him in that moment than she'd ever been. She took his hand and kissed his palm, then ran to her library, mind racing with what she'd learned about him.
*****
Damian listened to the door close behind her, stunned by what he'd seen in her thoughts. Love. Pure, sweet, unconditional. For him of all things! He'd heard it in her thoughts even if she didn't speak the words, and her ability to see through him as he did everyone else amazed him.
He'd never thought much of that talent, the ability to see into someone. He'd always found something wrong, something evil or bad, no matter how small the inclination. Except in her.
"Brother, come out of the shadows," he said, weariness in his voice.
"I wouldn't intrude."
"Bullshit. You were making sure I didn't hurt her."
Dusty said nothing but drew abreast of him.
"Thank you," he said and leaned again on the railing. "I hope you'd have kicked my ass if I did."
"Puh-lease, brother. What makes you think I didn't follow to make sure she didn't chicken out?" Dusty challenged.
"Glad she passed your test. She probably doesn't realize what happens to people who don't."
"We'll keep it that way."
Damian chuckled despite himself, unable to shake the negative emotions running through him. He felt both spent and wired, his head too full of memories to control.
"Are you okay?" Dusty asked.
"I am now," he replied. He drew a ragged breath.
"I don't want a woman, but if I did, I'd want one like kiri," Dusty admitted. "I saw the way she looked at you. D, I'm in love with her."
"She's a lot like you."
"I don't cry that much."
"She's got your lip," Damian teased.
Dusty rolled his eyes. Damian regarded him, reminded again how fortunate he was to have friends like his. Dusty met his gaze with his clear blues, concerned and relieved.
"It's been a good week. We found an Oracle, executed some traitors, chased down bad guys, hosted the Quarterly, and are evac-ing soon."
"Just when I start to get bored with life," Damian agreed. "Jule's missed most of it."
"Serves him right. He forgot my birthday again."
"What is it with you and your birthdays? Every year you bitch about it," he said, enjoying the distraction from his dark thoughts.
"I like my birthdays," Dusty said defensively. "There's nothing wrong with it."
"If you say so. I don't even know when mine is."