The city buzzed softly outside as they got into his car after lunch, the sun beginning its lazy descent between buildings.
Sienna buckled her seatbelt, leaning her head against the cool glass window.
Cassian glanced at her sideways. "You look exhausted."
"Thanks," she said flatly. "What a compliment."
"I mean it," he said, eyes back on the road. "You look like you haven't slept in a week."
"Because I haven't," she snapped before she could stop herself.
He went quiet.
Then smirked a little. "You know, you're going to have to add this to your resume. CEO-in-charge for a week. Saving my ass on all fronts. Pretty impressive, Caldwell."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm still waiting for the part where I get paid CEO salary."
"You get paid in spiritual growth."
"I'm going to spiritually stab you."
He chuckled, then turned back to the road.
Cassian didn't respond right away. Then, "Let's go unwind."
She blinked at him. "What?"
"You need to breathe. You've been holding up the entire world and your eyebags are starting to develop personality."
She opened her mouth to argue—but froze as a flash of color outside the car caught her attention. In the far distance, against the skyline, a Ferris wheel spun slowly in the afternoon haze.
Cassian followed her gaze and smirked. "I have an idea."
"No—Cassian—"
He took the next exit.
Twenty minutes later, they were standing at the gates of a massive city-side amusement park, blinking against the rush of sound and color.
Sienna crossed her arms. "I'm not getting on any rides."
"You will," he said confidently. "Eventually."
"No."
"Yes."
"I'm not a child."
"Exactly why you need to have fun."
She scowled at him.
Cassian turned to a staff member, pulled out his card, and with practiced charm, requested two VIP passes and a few essentials. He returned moments later with a paper bag and a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Here."
She peeked inside. A pair of soft, white sneakers. "What?"
"You're not walking this whole park in heels. I like your ankles attached."
"Still not riding anything."
He pulled something else out of the bag—two animal ear headbands. One soft gray, one black with tiny pointed ears.
Sienna narrowed her eyes. "No."
He put one on his bald head with the most ridiculous deadpan expression.
She stared.
And then—against all will—she laughed.
She really laughed.
He handed her the other. "Come on, Caldwell. Humor me."
Muttering curses, she slipped it on.
He grinned. "There she is."