Chapter 26

STUBBORNNESS AND SWORDS

Library, House of Fourteen, Santa Monica, California, United States

“You don’t have to give me that,” Jack said at once when Akio disappeared and the temperature of the computer room started to normalize.

Gen looked up from the blade in her hands. “Of course I know that.”

“I mean, that’s a weighty order he gave you and there’s a lot resting on it and if you don’t think I’m worthy then?—”

“Would you shut up?” she interrupted.

He closed his mouth, looking at her intently.

She eyed him, enjoying the tense moment more than she should.

“You know that I’m going to give you the sword,” she said after a long moment.

“I don’t actually,” he replied.

Gen sighed, tilting her head to the side. “Are you serious? We came here for this.”

“But we came here to get the sword,” he argued. “We didn’t know that it would be entrusted to you by some warrior and told to give to the right person. I mean, that’s Akio Takahashi’s sword. He’s from a founding family and a big deal. I don’t deserve that. Didn’t you hear, I’m from a nobody family.”

Gen pursed her lips. “The Beaufonts were nobodies back in the day.”

He laughed. “Yeah, six hundred years ago.”

“Well, you start somewhere,” she argued. “And it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from.” Gen stepped forward and with her free hand she pointed at Jack’s chest, feeling his strength under her finger. “What matters is what’s in there.”

He looked down, surprised that she touched him and then seemed happy about it. “And what do you think about me? Do I have what matters?”

“So far, Jack Lane, of all the people I’ve met, you have more heart than most,” she said, meaning it. “You do what you think is right and aren’t swayed by authority. You care about people and don’t compromise your beliefs to do things quickly when they need to be done effectively. And although you’re very stubborn, that actually might be what I like most and least about you.”

“Really?” he questioned. “So is this when I ask you out again, using that stubbornness you like so much?”

Gen shook her head, holding out the sword. “No, this is when you take Akio Takahashi’s sword. I feel that it was meant for you. You’re noble and will use it to fight for what’s just. Subner said you should have it. And Akio entrusted it to me and I trust you. So please, take it.”

He looked at her. Then at the sword. Then back into her blue eyes. Finally, he reached out and took the sword from her hand.

“Thank you,” he said with a sincere smile. “I appreciate what you’ve done for me. I will always be grateful for this.”

“It’s what friends do,” she said, watching as he moved the sword through the air slightly, testing its weight and balance.

He paused, looking at her intently. “Oh, no, Gen Beaufont. As I’ve said before and will again, we aren’t friends. This only makes me want to date you even harder.”