I took a towel and wiped my face. “It keeps me from killing you.”

“Maybe I should have tried that the first month or so after Paige left. I felt like dying several times.”

I shot him a look. “Over election day? Because you never loved Paige.”

He looked down at his shoes, his hands in pockets, raising his brows. “That’s true. I was wondering if you’d like to grab a bite to eat tonight. Nothing fancy. Just dinner.”

“I’m not going on a date with you,” I said.

“Not a date. Just two friends eating. You need to eat a decent meal, Naomi. You’ve lost some weight.”

I looked down, my ab muscles protruding more than usual. “Fuck off, Peter.”

“Fine,” he said, walking away.

I retired to the showers, peeled off my sopping wet sports bra and athletic leggings, before scrubbing off a half-hour’s worth of sweat. In ten minutes, I was clean and back in my uniform, on my way back to the locker room.

Trex frowned at me. “What’s your deal today? You’re never late.”

“Sorry, my workout ran long. I lost track of time. Won’t happen again.”

Trex nodded, then went down the checklist. “Okay, we’re changing things up. Naomi, you’re with me in Alpha through Delta. Kitsch has Echo, and Martinez has the warehouse and the perimeter.”

We were all confused. We’d had the same assignments since we’d started. Trex could see that and explained.

“We all need to be familiar with the entire complex and everyone we encounter. Names, faces, and every corner should be ingrained in your mind.”

“Why?” Sloan asked. “No one can get in this place. I feel like an old fucking lady fast-walking through the mall.”

“Because when shit does go down, we should be prepared, that’s why,” Trex said. “I shouldn’t have to tell you that.”

“Okay, team, move out,” Kitsch said.

We cleared the corridors in order, from Alpha to Delta. I passed Peter a few times, and instead of avoiding me, he’d stop and chat.

The last time we walked away from him, Trex made a half-growl, half-humming noise. “What’s up with him? He was all about Maddie at the BBQ. I didn’t know he liked babies that much, did you?”

I shook my head.

“He wouldn’t even look at you before. Now he’s stopping to chat every time you pass each other.”

“He came over last night. I slammed the door in his face. I’m afraid any second he’ll send us all packing. I feel like my balls are in a vice.”

“What?” Trex asked, stopping in the middle of the hall. “Naomi, he’s taking advantage. He knows you’re lonely and sad.”

“I am lonely and sad.”

“Then come hang out with us.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?” he asked, confused.

I fidgeted. “I don’t want to offend you.”