Mia POV
"Mate's uncomfortable," Inara warned me in my mind, while walking back into Bryn's living room. I glanced at Atlas, and squeezed his hand for reassurance. He paused, his warm hand slipping away from mine, and gently brushed his fingertips over a healing scuff on my arm from the fight with Flint.
"Fighting like that, is it normal for you?" he asked, concern etching lines on his forehead. I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words, and shifted my gaze to Bryn. "Atlas and I will be right back in a few minutes to talk," I informed her, reclaiming his hand and leading him back outside. We needed a moment alone, away from prying eyes, to ease his discomfort.
Once outside, I released his hand, and he locked his gaze with mine. "He hurt you," he stated, a mix of worry and protectiv
