I walked him to the door, his arm still around my waist. We still on for dinner? he asked.
You bet. Im actually My back was to the stairs, but I still knew the second he came down. The air changed, grew heavier and warm. The nape of my neck tingled.
Blake frowned. Youre actuallywhat?
My heart sped up. ImIm looking forward to it.
He started to smile, and then he glanced up. His eyes widened slightly, and I knew Daemon was there. I didnt want to turn around, but it seemed unnatural not to.
And it was like being struck by lightning. I hated his effect on me, but at the same time it thrilled me. Nothing was easy about it.
Daemon was dressed casually compared to the rest of us but still looked better than any guy in the room. He had on a pair of old, distressed blue jeans and a shirt that bore some long-forgotten band name. He absently tucked a strand of dark hair behind his left ear and flashed a wolfish grin at something someone said. Those magnetic eyes shimmered under the dim light of the candles. This was the first time Id really seen Daemon around anyone other than his family or a friend or two outside of school.
Daemon had this effect on others, no matter their gender. It was obvious that people wanted to be around him, but at the same time, it seemed like they were afraid to come too close. They were drawn to him, like I was, whether they liked it or not. People approached but stopped just a few feet from him. But the whole time, he had his eyes fixed on me.
In that second, I completely forgot the boy with his hand on my waist.
Daemon stopped in front of us. Hey there
Blakes hand pressed into me as he leaned around. I dont think we got the chance to introduce ourselves the other night at the diner. My name is Blake Saunders. He offered his free hand.
Daemon glanced at Blakes hand before returning his gaze to me. I know who you are.
Oh, geez. I twisted toward Blake. This is Daemon Black.
His smile faltered. Yeah, I know who he is, too.
Laughing under his breath, Daemon straightened. At his full height, he was a good head taller than Blake. Its always nice to meet another fan.
Yeah, Blake had no idea what to say to that. He shook his head slightly and faced me. Well, I need to get going.
I smiled. All right. Thanks foreverything.
He smiled a little as he leaned in, wrapping his arms loosely around me. Acutely aware of Daemons intense stare, I placed my hands on Blakes back and leaned up, pressing my lips against his smooth cheek.
Daemon cleared his throat.
Blake laughed softly in my ear. Ill call you. Behave.
Always, I said, letting go.
With one last grin tossed in Daemons direction, Blake sauntered out the door. Had to give it to the boy, he held his ownsort ofagainst Daemon.
I faced him, scowling as I started fiddling with the obsidian around my neck. You know, you couldnt have been much more of a jerk if you tried.
He arched a brow. Thought I told you not to hang out with him?
Thought I explained that just because you say I cant doesnt mean I wont.
You did? His gaze followed the obsidian, and then he lowered his head. You look really nice tonight, Kitten.
My stomach hollowed. Must ignoremust ignore. I think Dee has her hands full, but she did a great job decorating the house.
Dont let her fool you into believing she did all of this herself. She recruited me from the moment I got home.
Oh. Surprise shot through me. I couldnt picture Daemon stringing paper lanterns without lighting them on fire and then throwing them. You both did a great job.
Daemons gaze dipped again, and I shivered under his intense scrutiny. Why, oh why, did Blake need to bail early, leaving me behind with Daemon? Where did you get this dress? he asked.
Your sister, I told him blandly.
He frowned, looking half disgusted. I dont even know what to say about that.
Say about what, babe?
Daemon stiffened. Tearing my gaze from him, my eyes locked with Ashs. Holding my stare, she smiled sweetly and wrapped a thin arm around his narrow waist. She leaned into him, as if she were all too familiar
with the lines of his body. And she was. Theyd been dating on and off for a while.
Oh, this was fabulous. Hed just given Blake the stink eye and now Ash was leeched to his side. And God, I didnt like that at all. Irony was such a bitch.
Thats a cute dress. Its Dees, right? Ash asked. I think she got it when we went shopping together, but it usually looks looser on her.
Oh, that felt like a jellyfish sting. An unreasonable emotion crept up my spine the longer she stood there, in her skintight sweater dress that ended an inch below her butt. I think you forgot some jeans or the bottom part of your dress.
Ash smirked, but then turned her attention back to Daemon. Babe, you rushed off so fast. I had to search the entire upstairs for you. Why dont we go back to your room and finish what we started?
The punched-in-the-gut feeling nearly doubled me over. I had no idea where it was coming from or why I felt that way. It wasnt reasonable. I didnt like Daemon I didnt . He could make out with the Pope for all I cared, and Id just kissed Blake. But that hot feeling was there, stealing through my veins.