Chapter 256: The Ride Home

XENOIS   Before the argument could escalate further, Lake turned to Ollie with something approaching a peace offering. "Once we get home, you can teach me. If the offer's still open."   Ollie's face lit up like someone had flipped a switch. "Really? Yeah, absolutely! I'll show you all the best strategies, and there's this one level that's really cool with the----"   "Are you going to join?" Lake interrupted, looking back at Riley with a challenge in his eyes.   Riley grumbled something under his breath that sounded distinctly like "this is a terrible idea," but finally said, "Fine. I'll play. But only to make sure you're not overdoing it."   "My hero," Lake said dryly, but I caught the small smile tugging at his lips.   The moment of détente was broken when Lake suddenly buried his face against Riley's neck.   "Play the hearing game again," he demanded, his voice muffled.   "I want to know what that car three feet ahead is talking about. Looks like some kind of commotion."   I tensed,