His arms are folded, and he’s watching me like I’m some difficult math problem he can’t figure out.

“I’m nineteen.”

Okay, not too much older. Not that it matters.

I nod and go back to fixing some food.

“What about you?”

“Seventeen,” I reply, popping four slices of bread in the toaster. I don’t even know if he wants toast, but he’s getting some.

I don’t look around because I’m trying to be cool, which is super-hard to do when I’m so uncool, but I hear his footsteps. “Want some help?”

My breath catches as I feel the warmth from his body far too close to mine.

“I’m fine,” I say, my traitorous voice breaking.

Way to stay cool.

“Will you go and sit, please?”

I turn, taking a small step back as I do. “But I’m making breakfast.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re not making this easy. Will you sit so I can make you breakfast? I mean, I’d like to thank you for welcoming me back with open arms. You were one of the first to reach out to me after I got out of those rooms and not assume I was a monster.”

“I don’t need any thanks.” Honestly, I would accept anyone. We’re all in the same position. We need each other.

“Piper,” he says on a sigh.

I hold my hands up. “All right. Sorry. I’ll go and sit.”

Stepping around him, I walk back to the sofa. But I can’t relax because that would be impossible here.

“Piper!” Hazel shouts, darting into the room. Her eyes fall on Evan first, and she only relaxes her posture when she sees me. “There you are,” she says.

“Where did you think I was?”

She shrugs. “I was just talking to Theo last night.”

Great.

“I’m not here to hurt anyone, Hazel. Why can’t you understand that?” Evan says. “I’ve been stuck between rooms, kept in some for days at a time sometimes, before being allowed back in here.”

She bites the inside of her cheek and nods. “Was it constant?”

Hazel doesn’t elaborate but it’s clear she’s asking about the torture.

“No. I got days of reprieve, but it was solitary all the time.” I can’t imagine what that was like.

He shakes his head, his chest expanding with a deep breath. “All I’m asking is for a chance, like everyone else in here.” He swallows and blinks heavily like he’s trying to blink away the memories. “Just a chance.”

Hazel nods, thawing further.

“It’s going to be okay now, Evan,” I say.

His eyes quickly find mine, and he gives me a warm smile that I return.

“Will you tell me about yourself?” I request. “I don’t really know anything.”