Zach squirmed for the millionth time on the thick quilt. The night air made goosebumps raise on his arms and his hair was messy from shifting. Classes were over for the day, and Professor Solomon hadn't assigned any missions that weekend. It felt odd having free time.

For the first time in a long time, Zach could just be. There was no reason to look over his shoulder, no one to hide himself from. Just him and his girlfriend shedding their spy personas to go on a date. Yet he still found himself getting antsy. You were curled up beside him pointing out constellations. You were both still technically on Gallagher Academy grounds if something did happen. There was no reason for the pit forming in Zach's stomach.

Maybe it was because the last time he took you on a normal date, his mother showed up. His psycho fucking mom had tracked him down across the state and spotted you two having coffee. Then Zach spent months working with Solomon, Agent Townsend, Cammie, Liz, and Bex to rescue you from Catharine. The chances of that nightmare repeating itself were slim to none. But not impossible.

You had stopped talking and were now staring at him. Zach swallowed heavily as guilt settled in his chest. He just wanted to spend time with his girlfriend like normal people do.