Not really. Why?
You look like crap.
Any other time his comment wouldve started a war in this house, but I just set my half-empty glass down. I think Im coming down with something.
His brows furrowed. The concept of being sick was foreign to Daemon. The Luxen didnt get sick. Like, ever. Whats wrong with you?
I dont know. I probably got alien cooties.
Daemon snorted. Doubtful. I cant afford for you to be sick. We need to get you outside and try to work your trace off. Until then, youre a
If you say Im a weakness, I will hurt you. Anger pushed down the nausea in my stomach. I think I proved that Im not, especially when I led Baruck away from your house and I killed him. I struggled to keep my voice low. Just because Im human doesnt mean Im weak.
He sat back, brows inching up his forehead. I was going to say that until then, youre at risk .
Oh. My cheeks flushed. Whoops. Well, then, Im still not weak.
One second Daemon was sitting at the table and the next he was beside me, kneeling down. He had to look up slightly to see my face. I know youre not weak. Youve proven yourself. And what you did this weekend, tapping into our powers? I still cant figure out how that happened, but youre not weak. Ever.
Whoa. It was hard to stick to my resolve of not caving to the ridiculous notion of us being together when he was actually nice , and when he stared at me like I was the last piece of chocolate in the whole world.
Which made me think of that damn chocolate chip cookie in his mouth.
The side of his lips twitched as if he knew what I was thinking and was fighting a smile. Not that little smirk of his, but a real smile. And suddenly he was standing, towering over me. Now I need you to prove youre not weak. Get off your butt and lets work off some of that trace.
I groaned. Daemon, Im really not feeling well.
Kat
And Im not saying that to be difficult. I feel like hurling.
He folded his muscular arms, stretching his Under Armour shirt across his chest. Its not safe for you to be running around when you look like a damn lighthouse. As long as you carry the trace, you cant do anything. Go anywhere.
I pushed up from the table, ignoring the rolling in my stomach. Ill get changed.
Surprise widened his eyes as he stepped back. Caving in so easily?
Caving in? I laughed without feeling. I just want you out of my face.
Daemon chuckled deeply. Keep telling yourself that, Kitten.
Keep using your ego steroids.
In a blink of an eye, he was in front of me, blocking my exit. Then he prowled forward, head lowered and eyes full of intent. I backed up until my hands found the edge of the kitchen table.
What? I demanded.
Placing his hands on either side of my hips, he bent forward. His breath was warm against my cheek and our eyes locked. He moved a fraction of an inch closer, and his lips brushed my chin. A strangled gasp escaped the back of my throat, and I swayed toward him.
A heartbeat later, Daemon pulled back, chuckling smugly. Yeahnot my ego, Kitten. Go get ready.
Dammit!
Giving him the finger, I left the kitchen and went upstairs. My skin still felt clammy and
shot across his face. Dont you dare go into that lake.
I moved backward. Icy water lapped at my ankles and then my knees. Why?
Why? He took a step forward. Its too cold. Kitten, dont make me come in there and get you.
My head throbbed. Brain cells were definitely melting. I sunk farther down. Cold water soothed the burning in my skin. It washed over my head, stealing my breath and the fire. The burn eased, nearly fading. I could stay under here forever. Maybe I would.
Strong, solid arms surrounded me, pulling me back to the surface. Frigid air rushed me, but my lungs were seared. I dragged in deep gulps, hoping to extinguish the flames. Daemon was pulling me out of the blessed water, moving so fast I was in the water one second and standing on shore the next.
Whats wrong with you? he demanded, grasping my shoulders and giving me a light shake. Have you lost your mind?
Dont. I pushed at him weakly. Im so hot.
His intense gaze drifted down to my toes. Yeah, youre hot. The whole wet white shirt Its working, Kitten, but a midnight swim in November? Thats a little daring, dont you think?
He wasnt making sense. The reprieve was over, and my skin was burning again. I stumbled from his hands, back toward the lake.
His arms were around me before I took two steps, turning me around. Kat, you cant get in the lake. Its too cold. Youre going to get sick. He brushed back the hair plastered to my cheeks. Hellsicker than you already are. Youre burning up.
Something in what he said cleared a bit of the haze. I leaned into him, pressing my cheek into his chest. He smelled wonderful . Like spice and man. I dont want you.
Uh, now is not the time to get into that conversation.
This was just a dream. I sighed, wrapping my arms around his taut waist. But I do want you.
Daemons arms tightened around me. I know, Kitten. You arent fooling anyone. Come on.
Letting go, my arms hung limply at my sides. II dont feel good.