I watched Maribel continue staring down the corridor long after Cassian had disappeared from view. She had not moved. Not blinked. Not even pretended to look somewhere else.
Nero whispered in my mind.
[Host the staring has reached concerning levels.]
I folded my arms. "Maribel."
She blinked immediately and turned toward me with an innocent smile that fooled absolutely no one. "Yes?"
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "You staring at Cassian as if he personally carried the sun."
Maribel coughed lightly and waved her hand dismissively. "Nothing."
That was the least convincing answer I had ever heard.
Before I could press further, she leaned closer and changed the subject with suspicious speed. "So. How was your outing with Aunty?"
I studied her for a moment.
Coward.
But I answered anyway. "It was lovely."
Maribel smiled brightly. "I knew it would be. She adores you."
