Daemon stepped out of Ashs embrace while scratching a spot above his heart. He caught my eyes, and I raised my brows expectantly. He wanted to be with me? Yeah, seemed like itin between whatever he was doing with Ash.
I turned away before I said something that would embarrass me later. Dees high-pitched giggle followed my steps. Daemon spoke, but it was lost in the crowd of people. Needing air and distance, I stepped out onto the crowded front porch.
I couldnt figure out what was going on. There was no way I was jealous. That so wasnt what I was feeling. And I had a date coming up with a hot, normal human boy. There was no way I cared that Daemon and Ash were doing whatever.
Then it struck me as I headed down the steps. Oh my God, I did care. I cared I cared that hed been upstairs with Ash doing things thatI couldnt even wrap my brain around without wanting to do physical damage. My head spun. Images of Ash kissing him sucked the air out of my lungs. What was wrong with me?
Dazed, I started walking. At some point, I kicked off my heels and tossed them aside. I kept walking, my feet bare against the cold grass and gravel. I didnt stop until I stood beside the empty house at the end of the road. Taking several gulps of fresh, clean air, I tried to get control of my overexposed emotions. Part of me knew what I was feeling was ridiculous, but it still seemed like the world had stopped spinning. I felt like I wanted to explode and everything was hot and cold at the same time.
My breath shuddered in my chest. I squeezed my eyes shut and swore. What I was feeling wasnt right. The last time Id been this jealous was when all the bloggers went to a book conference last year and Mom wouldnt let me go. Hell, this was worse. I wanted to scream. I wanted to run back in there and pull out every strand of Ashs hair. Jealousy I had no right to coursed through my veins, blinding any rational thought trying to tell me I was being stupid. But my blood was boiling. My palms were sweaty and they felt foreign and cold. My entire body was shaking.
I stood there, lost in my swirling emotions and messed-up thoughts until I heard the sound of feet crunching over grass. The figure moved out of the dark shadows and a stretch of moonlight bounced off a gold and blue watch.
Simon.
My stomach sunk all the way to my toes. What in the hell was he doing here? Had Dee invited him? I hadnt told her what had happened between us, but there was no doubt she had heard the rumors.
Katy, is that you? He staggered to the side and leaned against the house. Fully visible, he had a swollen-shut eye that was an ugly shade of violet. Bruises marred his jaw. A lip was split.
I gaped. What happened to your face?
Simon lifted a flask to his mouth. Your boyfriend happened to my face.
Who?
He took a drink, wincing. Daemon Black.
Hes not my boyfriend.
Whatever. Simon inched closer. I came here to talkto you. Youve got to call him off.
My eyes widened. When Daemon said hed take care of the problem, he hadnt been screwing around. Part of me felt bad for the dude, but it was overshadowed by the fact he and his friends had half the school calling me a skank.
Youve got to tell him I didnt mean anything that night. Imsorry. He lurched forward, dropping the flask. Jesus. Daemon mustve put the fear of God in him. Youve got to tell him I set everyone straight.
I stepped back as the wave of alcohol and desperation crashed into me. Simon, I think you should sit down or something, because
than I did any place else. And I couldnt blame the connection for that. Even before it was formed, his arms had always been a sanctuary of sorts.
I know you didnt do it on purpose, Kitten. His hand pressed a soothing circle against my back. Simon was drunk, so theres a good chance he wont even remember. And if he does, no one will believe him.
Hope sparked. You think?
Yes. People will think hes crazy. Daemon pulled back, lowering his head so we were eye level. No one will believe him, okay? And if he starts to talk, Ill
Youll do nothing. I shimmied free, drawing a deep breath. I think youve already scarred the boy for life.
Obviously not, he muttered. What were you thinking back there? You were upset. Why?
Heat infused my cheeks, and I started walking toward my house.
Daemon let out a long, suffering sigh. He was right beside me. Kat, talk to me.
I can make it back home without your help, thank you very much.
He held a branch out of the way so I could pass under it. I would hope so. It is right there.
Shouldnt you be making out with Ash right now anyway?
He stared at me like Id grown two heads. I recognized my mistake immediately.
Thats what all of this is about?
No. It had nothing to do with youor her.
Youre jealous. He sounded smug. Im so going to win this bet.
I stomped forward. Me? Jealous? Youve lost your mind. I wasnt the one trying to scare off Blake.
He grabbed my arm, stopping me just as my porch came into sight. Who cares about Ben?
Blake, I corrected.