37. The Spy's Target

Erica 

"Rica! where have you been?" Lana shot up from the stool as soon as Erica entered. Josh was dozing with a cup of coffee in front of him. Erica shrugged, "Jogging". She honestly wanted to sleep, she was dead on her feet. Lana must have seen something in her expression because she had opened her mouth but then closed it. Instead, she offered, "Want to have some coffee?" Erica declined before trudging to her room. 

Even though she felt tired, she also felt a lot better, calmer. She burrowed her face further into the pillow her mind veering back to the time spent with Xavier. It felt good, to be sharing her thoughts and fears and theories with someone who believed you. It felt daunting at times and with the whirlwind of things that was happening to her she rarely had time to sit and process. 

Her cheeks reddened as she remembered how Xavier had reacted promptly when she was stricken with fear, how he had drawn her closer to him