Part of me actually felt bad for Ash. Shed spent her whole life expecting to be with Daemon. I couldnt even imagine what she was thinkingif she was mourning the final downfall of their relationship or if it was just that shed lost something shed believed was hers. If I ended up being found in a ditch somewhere, my bets would be on Ash or Andrew. Adam had left the dark side and was now sitting with Dee at lunch. They literally couldnt keep their hands off each otheror our food.
Each night, Daemon soaked up my time. Keeping an eye on me was what he claimed to be doing, waiting to see if I was attacked by a chair again. In his world, that translated into time suckage that involved every possible way he could get close to me. Like, really, will-breaking, body-tingling close.
Blakewell, Blake spoke to me in class. He texted a few times at night, and I always had to wait until Daemon decided to leave before I could call him back, but there had been no talk of another date.
Daemon had been successful with the scare tactics, which he was unabashedly proud of.
Saturday afternoon, I was in a marathon review-writing spree when someone knocked on my front door. Finishing up my last sentence Mesmerizing debut, heart-stopping action, and swoon-worthy romance, The Hidden Circle is a forget-your-homework, dont-feed-your-kids, and quit-your-job one-sit read before shutting my laptop.
As I neared the door, I felt the tingling on my neck. Daemon. I tripped over the upturned corner of the area rug and took a second to straighten the ribbed sweater that had ridden up before I snatched open the front door.
Familiar feelings of anxiety slid through me. What did he have up his sleeve today? In other words, how much more could he possibly complicate my life? My no-kiss policy had remained strong since Monday. But strangely, even as innocent and clandestine as our meetings were, there was still a level of intimacy that couldnt be denied.
Daemon was changing.
I was used to the sarcastic and rude Daemon. In an odd way, that version was easier to deal with. We could trade insults all day. But this Daemonthis one who wouldnt give up was kind and gentle, funny anddear God thoughtful .
Daemon waited on the porch, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. He had been gazing into the distance but pivoted around the moment I pushed open the door.
He brushed past me and into the hallway. The scent of him, a mixture of the outdoors and sandalwood, followed. It was a heady aroma, all completely his.
You look nice today, he commented unexpectedly.
I glanced down at my gray hoodie and tucked a tangled strand of hair behind my ear. Uh, thanks. I cleared my throat. Sowhats up?
His excuse for spending time with me was always the vague Watching out for you, so I wasnt expecting anything different today. I just wanted to see you.
Oh. Well, hell
He chuckled deeply. I thought we could take a walk. Its nice outside.
Glancing back at my laptop, I debated. Spending time with him wasnt something I should be doing. It just encouraged hisnot-so-bad behavior.
Ill behave myself, he said. I promise.
I laughed at that. All right, lets go.
It was brisk outside, nowhere near as cold as it would become once the sun set. Instead of heading toward the woods, he steered me in the direction of his SUV. Exactly where are we going to take a walk?
Outdoors, he said dryly.
Well, I think I figured that part out.
You ask a lot of questions, you know.
Ive been told Im very inquisitive.
He leaned forward and whispered, I think I figured that part out.
I made a face at him, but I was intrigued. I climbed into the passengers seat. Have you heard anything about Simon? I asked after hed backed out of the driveway. I havent.
I havent either.
An array of golden, red, and brown leaves blurred as Daemon flew down the highway. Do you think an Arum had anything
into his own car, but he stopped and glanced back at me. Id swear I heard his voice in my head. Itll be okay. But it couldnt have been him. Maybe it was wishful thinking, because for a moment, fear trickled like ice water through my veins. What if this was the last time I saw himsaw anyone? What if theyd discovered I knew the truth?
What if they knew what I could do?
Now I wished Id let Daemon kiss me back there. Because if I was going to disappear, then at least my last memory wouldve given me some sort of completion.
I forced myself to breathe slowly as I raised my hand, wiggling my fingers at him before the woman shut the door.
She climbed into the passenger seat and twisted around. Seat belt?
Hands shaking and sweaty, I fastened myself in. The man behind the wheel said nothing, but the hairs on his mustache kept blowing as if he were breathing heavily. Um, thanks for the ride.
Its no problem. My name is Nancy Husher, she said, and then nodded at the driver. This is Brian Vaughn. Hes known Daemons family for several years. Im just along for the ride.
Im sure you are. Ohthats really nice.