The man’s eyes flared as he glanced around the base. “Lower your voice!”

“Sorry,” Hadrian whispered. “Wasn’t trying to get you into trouble. I just need to know where Section H-16 housing is so that I can personally thank her.”

The Tavali turned slightly. “Down that hallway until you hit the center atrium. Veer left and you’ll be right there.”

Hadrian clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks.”

Jayne quickened her steps as Hadrian took off in that direction.

Once she was sure the Tavali wasn’t following them, she tapped his shoulder, then jerked her chin toward the Tavali. “What was all that?”

“People telegraph all manner of things when they’re confronting someone. You’d be amazed at the thoughts in their heads.”

“Only thing I think about is killing them,” Hauk said.

Hadrian laughed at Hauk’s comment. “Mostly, you think about what your brother, Fain, would do.”

“Get out of my head.”

“I really wish it was that easy. Sadly, I don’t want to be there anymore than you want me traipsing through your emotional baggage.” Hadrian stopped and turned to Jayne. “Thank you for being silent.”

“Not sure I have anything to do with that, but you’re welcome.”

The look on Hadrian’s face was so sincere that it tightened her throat.

Before she realized what he was doing, he leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.

Unsure of how to respond, she arched a brow. “You okay?”

Instead of speaking, Hadrian lifted her hands and put them on each side of his head.

She cut a sideways glance to Hauk who had the same confusion on his face that she felt.

Hadrian let out a long sigh. “I wish I could walk around like this.”

“Why?”

“Whatever it is in you, it blocks it all out. No idea why, but the silence is heaven.” He brushed her hands through his hair before he straightened up. “Sorry. I just needed a little break.”

Not sure how to feel, she smiled at him. “No problem. You better now?”

“Think so. But I’m wondering how my brother can function among so many other people. Most days, I want to scream out until they commit me.”

“Well, my hands are at your service whenever you need them.” Jayne regretted that sentence the moment she said it out loud.

Especially as Hauk laughed and Hadrian gaped.

“Not what I meant! Oh my God! Really?”

Now Hadrian was laughing. “All good, suāva.”

That word gave her pause. “Suāva?”

He actually blushed. “It’s an endearment.”

“Which means?”

“I’m afraid if I tell you, you might kick me in the balls.”

She wasn’t sure what her expression was, but it caused Hadrian to quickly step behind Hauk.

“How do you stand not knowing what other people are thinking?” Hadrian asked Hauk.

Hauk shrugged nonchalantly. “Apparently, you have a good idea to be doing that kind of tap dance around me.”

Jayne leaned over to peer around Hauk’s massive form to where Hadrian was hiding. “Just what did you call me?”