“Because the Mikhailovs are closing in. We shouldn’t make any unnecessary trips out of this compound.”
She nods stiffly, like she was anticipating the refusal.
“You can meet up with them after things settle down,” I add.
“After?” she asks. “How long will that be?”
She’s quiet for a moment, gnawing at her bottom lip. It’s what she does when she isn’t sure if she should say something or not.
I just wait. The silence will coax it out of her sooner or later.
Sure enough, after a minute or two has passed, she whispers, “Will you just… hold me, for a little bit?”
“I just want to feel something real.”
She turns and lies down on her side, one hand tucked under her pillow, both legs curled up to her chest.
I consider walking away. This is a silly request, after all—she’s a weapon in my ars
