“You said what?” Jake’s voice rose and came clearly down the hall to where she was standing and fighting off a wave of memory. “Of all the boneheaded-“ Siana could hear the consternation in Jake’s voice. “Did you at least apologize?”

“I am not an idiot, Jake.” Naerin said, almost quiet enough that Siana couldn’t hear him. “My apology for my ill-considered words was not accepted, which I suppose was deserved.”

“I swear, if you cram that ...