Rory reacted first.
Like someone caught in the middle of a cheating scandal she had never intended to create, she shoved Nix away with every ounce of strength she had, her heart slamming wildly against her ribs.
"Jasper, I can explain—!"
Damn it, stupid brain, not now!
Why would my mouth betray me at a time like this?!
"Jasper, please—just listen to me!" she blurted out in a rush. "This isn't what it looks like, I swear!"
Nix, still reeling from the sudden rejection and utterly bewildered by it, reached out toward her with hesitant uncertainty. His voice came soft and small. "Female Master…"
"Just—wait a second," Rory said sharply, waving him off without even glancing in his direction. Her attention was locked entirely on the projection hovering in front of her. Right now, nothing mattered more than making Jasper understand.
"It's all right, Rory."
