He passed by without so much as a look.
I twisted around in my chair. I need to talk to you.
He slid into his desk chair. Okay.
In private, I whispered.
His expression didnt change as he leaned back in his chair. Meet me in the library at lunch. No one really goes in there. You know, with all those books and stuff.
I made a face before flipping to the front of the class. Maybe five seconds later, I felt his pen poking me in the back. Taking a deep, patient breath, I faced him. Daemon had his desk tipped forward. Inches separated us. Yes?
He grinned. You look a lot better than the last time I saw you.
Thanks, I grumbled.
His gaze flickered around me, and I knew what he was doing. He was looking at the trace. Know what?
I cocked my head to the side, waiting.
Youre not glowing, he whispered.
Surprised, I let my jaw fall slack. Id been shining like a disco ball on Monday and now I didnt have a trace? Like, at all?
He shook his head.
The teacher started the class, so I had to face the front again, but I wasnt paying attention. My mind was stuck on the fact I wasnt glowing anymore. I should beno, I was ecstatic, but the connection, it was still there. My hope that it would fade along with the trace was total bunk.
After class, I asked the girls to let Dee know Id be late for lunch. Since theyd overheard part of the conversation, Carissa was full of giggles and Lesa launched into her fantasy about doing it in the library. Something I didnt need to know. Or think about. But now I was, because I could so picture Daemon getting into that sort of thing.
Morning classes dragged. Mr. Garrison gave me the usual untrustworthy glance throughout biology after his eyes widened upon seeing me. He was like the unofficial guardian of the Luxen living outside of the alien colony. The
chest and lowered his head, eyes snapping with restrained anger. Dont hit, Kitten. Its not nice.
Youre not nice. I tried pulling back, but he kept my wrist secured in his hand. Let me go.
Im not sure I can do that. I must protect myself. But he dropped my hand.
Oh, really, thats your reason forfor manhandling me?
Manhandling? He pressed forward until my lower back was against the cubicle desk. This isnt manhandling or whatever the hell that is.
Visions of me against the wall at my house and Daemon kissing me danced in my head like sugarplums. Parts of my body tingled. Oh, so not a good sign. Daemon, someone is going to see us.
So? He gently picked up my hand. Not like anyone is going to say a thing to me.
I drew in a deep breath. His scent was on my tongue. Our chests touched. Body said yes. Katy said no. I wasnt affected by this. Not by how close we were or how his fingers were sliding under the sleeve of my cardigan. It wasnt real . So my trace has faded, but this stupid connection hasnt?
Nope.
Disappointed, I shook my head. What does that mean, then?
I dont know. His fingers were completely under my sleeve, smoothing up my forearm. His skinit hummed like electricity. There was nothing like it.
Why do you keep touching me? I asked, flustered.
I like to.
God, I liked it, too, and I shouldnt. Daemon
But back to the trace. You know what that means.
That I dont have to see your face outside of school?
He laughed, and it rumbled through me. Youre no longer at risk.
Somehow, and I really havent a clue how, my free hand was against his chest. His heart beat was fast and strong. So did mine. I think the not-seeing-your-face part outweighs the safe part.
Keep telling yourself that. His chin brushed my hair and then slid over my cheek. I shivered. A spark passed from his skin to mine, humming in the charged air around us. If that makes you feel better, but we both know its a lie.
Its not a lie. I tipped my head back. His breath was a warm stroke against my lips.
Were still going to be seeing each other, he murmured. And dont even lie. I know that makes you happy. You told me you wanted me.
Hold your horses. When?
At the lake. He slanted his head, and I shouldve pulled back. His lips curved knowingly against mine, and he let go of my wrist. You said you wanted me.
Both of my hands were on his chest. They had a mind of their own. I claimed no responsibility for them. I had a fever. Lost my mind.
Whatever, Kitten. Daemon gripped my hips, lifting me onto the edge of the desk with an ease that was disturbing. I know better.
My breath was coming in short gasps. You dont know anything.
Uh huh. You know, I was worried about you, he admitted, moving forward, easing my legs apart. You kept calling out my name, and I kept answering, but it was like you couldnt hear me.
What were we talking about? My hands were on his lower stomach. His muscles were hard underneath the sweater. I slid my hands to his sides, totally meaning to push him away. Instead, I gripped and pulled him forward. Wow, I mustve been really out of it.
Itscared me.
Before I could respond or even give thought to the fact that my sickness actually scared him, our lips met. My brain clicked off as my fingers dug through his sweater, andand oh, God, his kisses were deep, scorching my lips as his hands tightened on my waist, pulling me against him.