The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism novel Chapter 294

Chapter 294: 294 | The Harem Was Definitely Delivering

The Emotional Duplex component of our Heroine Bond Resonance was convenient when it allowed me to understand Sloane’s feelings without her having to articulate them. It was significantly less convenient when it meant she could read my guilt and anxiety like a book written in large print.

"Later," I agreed, because there was no point in denying what she could literally feel through our supernatural connection.

"Later," she confirmed. "After I meet Radiant and have my professional freak-out and process the fact that my childhood hero is going to be evaluating my combat performance."

"That’s fair."

"And after I establish very clearly that whatever happened while I wasn’t around doesn’t change anything between us."

"Nothing could change anything between us."

The words came out sincere because they were sincere. Whatever complications existed with Camille and Petra and the System’s endless machinations, Sloane occupied a position in my life that was structurally permanent. The Affection Anchor locked her Temptation Gauge at a minimum threshold that made her attachment certain. The Combat Symbiosis made us better together than either of us could be apart. The Emotional Duplex meant we could never truly hide from each other.

She was my first heroine.

She would be my last.

Everything else was just noise.

Sloane’s expression softened as she felt the truth of my words through the bond. The sharpness faded from her eyes, replaced by something warmer and more vulnerable.

"Good answer," she said softly. "That’s a really good answer."

Steele’s whistle signaled the end of cool down stretches, and students began gathering their gear and preparing for the transition to their next scheduled activities. Sloane stood and offered me a hand, pulling me to my feet with a strength that her slender frame belied.

"I have to get back to my class," she said, still holding my hand. "But I meant what I said about lunch."

"I’ll be there."

"And dinner."

"Obviously."

"And the conversation we’re going to have about whatever you’re hiding."

"Looking forward to it."

She smiled, the expression carrying layers of affection and possessiveness and something that might have been the word she had almost said earlier. Then she leaned up and pressed her lips to my cheek, the kiss lingering longer than necessary and landing closer to my mouth than a purely platonic gesture would justify.

"Have a good class," she murmured against my skin. "And try not to kiss anyone else while I’m gone."

"No promises."

Her laugh followed her as she walked away, her blonde ponytail swinging with each step as she rejoined the 1-A students gathering on the other side of the field. I watched her go, appreciating the view and ignoring the various eyes that were definitely tracking our exchange. The kiss still hummed on my skin like a static charge, warm and impossible to dismiss.

Felicity materialized at my elbow approximately three seconds after Sloane disappeared from sight. The timing was surgical in its precision, like she’d been waiting for exactly this moment to launch her investigation.

"So," she said brightly. "That was interesting."

"Was it?"

"The kiss on the cheek. The possessive body language. The obvious tension about something that happened last night." Her blue eyes sparkled with investigative enthusiasm that would have been charming if it wasn’t also slightly terrifying in its focus. "Want to tell me what’s going on, or should I start guessing?"

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