The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) Brian Terenna (best novels to read to improve english txt) 📖

right. And now that I’ve committed myself to making things up to her, I’ll have to forget about the risks.

“I can understand that,” says Sunny. “I don’t want to die either, but I do this for Fae. She’s more important to me than anything.”

 “How about Alexander, though. He took charge for you, Sunny,” says Nav.

Sunny puts down his mug. “I’ve already thanked him.”

I squint at him. “When did you do that?”

“Last night, while you were asleep. He told me about his Olympic training and his late father. Alexander is impressive for a person.”

I nod absently as I remember Alexander’s appeal to save sunny. It brings a smile to my lips. He sure was impressive.

Sunny taps my hand. “You really seemed to admire him when you were staring at him in the car.”

My face flushes, and I take a deep swallow of wine to hide it.

Nav nudges me. “Somebody’s got a crush.”

“No,” I say more forcefully than I mean to. “I just appreciate what he did.” But I can’t forget the thrill I felt at his nearness when he caught me at the range.

“How about his shooting? Wow,” says Nav.

“Maybe we know a future gold medalist,” I say. “I guess I’ll have to return the favor at some point.”

Nav nudges me again. “A favor? Ooooo.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ve been meaning to ask you,” I say to change the subject. “Where did Americus get all the money for this warehouse and the military SUVs? It seems like it would be expensive.”

“Alexander, actually. His dad passed him down a lot of money. I heard he made most of it with huge endorsement deals.”

My eyebrow rises. “Alexander must really care about the cause.”

“Yes, that, and he said it was no big deal because he’d earn it all back after winning his first gold.”

I laugh. “Very fitting.”

Nav adjusts her green and white headband and fluffs her hair. Her jasmine scent drifts by me.

“Hey,” I say, “I’m sorry that you had to confront your dad.”

Nav frowns and looks out the window. She doesn’t speak for a long time. “It was hard to do, and I know it hurt him, but Sunny needed me.”

I reach over and squeeze her hand. I’m already lightheaded from the wine and generally happy, so I decide to change the subject. “Remember that Battle Royal Championship where I needed someone to sacrifice themselves in a bomb attack?”

“That was genius. There was no way we were going to win otherwise.” She pushes me in her enthusiasm.

I fall back and giggle at the unexpected push. Somehow, I keep my wine from spilling.

“Sorry.” She helps me back up.

“But remember what you did?” I ask.

She raises her mug. “I carried out your clever plan.”

I raise my mug to her and drink again. “You sacrificed yourself so we could win, even though you wouldn’t get any of the experience or rewards.”

Nav licks some wine off her lips and shrugs. “It was more important for me to see you guys win.”

“I admire how much you care about people. How much you care about me.”

She meets my eyes. “You mean a lot to me, Fae. I truly feel that we were meant to connect.”

Warmth spreads through me. Is this what life could be like? I’ve spent so much time worrying and waiting for things to get better, but at this moment, I feel relaxed, happy, and loved.

☼☼☼

The next morning, I head down to the main hall. Weird Tom plays poker with a few other Loyalists. A group of Knights sit in a circle and pray. A shirtless Brandon stands behind Nav, who sits in a chair. Hair clippings lie around them.

I enter the kitchen, grab two rolls, and coat them with hummus before devouring them.

“Hey, Fae.”

I flinch and turn. Astrid. “Hi…”

“All that lifting has been paying off. Check out those pipes,” she says, indicating my biceps. “If you’d like to kick it up a notch, I’d be happy to introduce you to powerlifting. That’s the way to go if you seriously want to bulk up.”

I give her a sweet smile. That’s nice of her.

“Unless you think this is going to intimidate you.” She flexes her bicep.

My eyes widen. Yep. Intimidated. “Impressive. I’d love some pointers.”

She smiles and walks off toward Yumi.

“Hello, child,” a deep voice says from behind me.

Gabriel. I reluctantly turn around and look up at the huge man.

“I wanted to tell you personally that I’ve accepted Sunny into my heart. Alexander made an excellent point. Do onto others as they do onto you. I truly believe Sunny was sent to us by God.”

At least that’s one issue resolved, assuming I can trust him. Now, I just have to fight in a revolution and not get killed while keeping Nav alive.

He rests his hand on my shoulder. Instinct tells me to get away. Instead, I lean into the touch, surprised by his gentleness.

“Something is troubling you. Give yourself over to God, and your suffering will vanish.”

I wish it were that easy. I’ve never been religious, but maybe it could help.

“Think about it. I’m around if you’d like to get anything off your chest.” After a pause, he adds, “Or if you prefer, you could try this method. He offers me his half-full glass of an amber liquid that smells like paint thinner.

I squint at it suspiciously.

“It’s the best scotch there is.”

I glance at the clock hanging in the kitchen. “It’s barely past noon.”

He smiles, his rough face transforming. “Exactly, it’s after noon.”

I hold up a hand and shake my head. “No thanks.”

He shrugs, then strolls away.

The liquor’s strong odor forces a dark memory to the forefront of my mind. I’m in my first hell, the Archfiend looming in