Page 299 - Fourth Wing

“I’m fine,” I repeat, nodding toward the dais. “Later.”

He turns, but the motion is reluctant.
“It has been brought to my attention as your commandant that a breach of

the Codex has occurred,” Panchek calls out over the courtyard.

“As you know, breaches of our most sacred laws are not to be tolerated,”
Panchek continues. “This matter will be addressed here and now. Will the

accuser please step forward.”

“Someone’s in trouble,” Rhiannon whispers. “Think Ridoc finally got
caught in Tyvon Varen’s bed?”

“That’s hardly against the Codex,” Ridoc murmurs from behind us.

“He’s the executive officer for Second Wing.” I send a pointed look over
my shoulder.

“And?” Ridoc shrugs, grinning without a touch of remorse. “Fraternizing
with command is frowned upon, not unlawful.”

I sigh, facing forward. “I miss sex.” I really do, and it’s not just the

physical gratification, either. There’s a sense of connection in those
moments that I crave, a momentary banishment of loneliness.

The first is something I’m sure Xaden would be more than capable of
providing, if he ever thought of me that way, but the second? He’s the last

person I should be craving, but lust and logic never seem to go hand in

hand.
“If you’re looking for a little fun, I’m happy to oblige—” Ridoc starts,

shoving his floppy brown hair off his forehead with a wink.

“I miss good sex,” I counter, smothering a smile as someone walks from
the front of formation toward the dais, indistinguishable through the rows of

the squads ahead of us. “Besides, apparently you’re spoken for.” Have to

admit, it feels good to tease a friend about something so trivial. It’s a tiny
slice of normalcy in an otherwise macabre environment.

“We’re not exclusive,” Ridoc counters. “It’s like Rhiannon and what’s-
her-name…”