Daemon kissed like he was a man starving for water, taking long, breathless drafts. His teeth caught my lower lip when he pulled away, only to come back for more. A heady mix of emotions warred inside me. I didnt want this, because it was just the connection between us. I kept telling myself that, even as I slid my hands up his chest and circled them around his neck. When his hands inched under my shirt, it was as though he reached deep inside me, warming every cell, filling every dark space within me with the heat from his skin.
Touching him, kissing him, was like having a fever all over again. I was on fire. My body burned. The world burned. Sparks flew. Against his mouth, I moaned.
There was a POP! and CRACK!
The smell of burned plastic filled the cubicle. We pulled apart, breathing heavily. Over his shoulder I saw thin strips of smoke wafting from the top of the ancient monitor. Good God, was this going to happen every time we kissed?
And what in the hell was I doing? Id decided I wasnt going to let this happen with Daemon, which meant no kissingor touching. The way hed treated me when we first met still
stung. The pain and embarrassment lingered in me.
I pushed him. Hard . Daemon let go, staring at me like Id kicked his puppy into traffic. Looking away, I wiped the back of my hand over my mouth. It didnt work. Everything about him was still around me, in me. God, I dont even like thiskissing you.
Daemon straightened, coming to his full height. I beg to differ. And I think this computer tells a different story, too.
I shot him a dirty look. Thatthat will never happen again.
And I think youve said that before, he reminded me. When he saw my expression, he sighed. Kat, you enjoyed thatjust as much as I did. Why lie?
Because its not real, I said. You didnt want me before.
I did
Dont you dare say you wanted me, because you treated me like I was the Antichrist! You cant just undo that because theres a stupid connection between us. I sucked in a sharp breath as an icky feeling spread through my chest. You really hurt me then. I dont think you even know. You humiliated me in front of an entire lunch room!
Daemon looked away, dragging his fingers through his hair. A muscle popped out in his jaw. I know. ImIm sorry for how I treated you, Kat.
Shocked, I stared at him. Daemon never apologized. Like, ever. Maybe he really I shook my head. His apology wasnt enough. Even now, were all the way hidden in the library, as if you dont want people to know you made a mistake that day and acted like a dick. And Im supposed to be okay with that now?
His eyes widened. Kat
Im not saying we cant be friends, because I want to. I do like you a lo I cut myself off before I said too much. Look, this didnt happen. Im going to blame aftereffects of the flu or that a zombie ate my brain.
His brows furrowed. What?
I dont want this with you. I started to turn, but he caught my arm. I glared at him. Daemon
He looked at me straight on. Youre a terrible liar. You do want this. Just as badly as I do.
My mouth opened, but no words came out.
You want this as badly as you want to go to ALA this winter.
Now my jaw was on the floor. You dont even know what ALA is!
The American Library Association midwinter event, he said, grinning proudly. Saw you obsessing over it on your blog before you got sick. Im pretty sure you said youd give up your firstborn child to go.
Yeah, I kind of did say that.
Daemons eyes flashed. Anyway, back to the whole you-wanting-me part.
I shook my head, dumbfounded.
You do want me.
Taking a deep breath, I struggled with my temperand my amusement. You are way too confident.
Im confident enough to wager a bet.
You cant be serious.
He grinned. I bet that by New Years Day, you will have admitted that youre madly, deeply, and irrevocably
Wow. Want to throw another adverb out there? My cheeks were burning.
How about irresistibly?
I rolled my eyes and muttered, Im surprised you know what an adverb is.
Stop distracting me, Kitten. Back to my betby New Years Day, youll have admitted that youre madly, deeply, irrevocably, and irresistibly in love with me.
Stunned, I choked on my laugh.
And you dream about me. He released my arm and folded his across his chest, cocking an eyebrow. I bet youll admit that. Probably even show me your notebook with my name circled in hearts
Oh, for the love of God
Daemon winked. Its on.
Spinning around, I grabbed my backpack and hurried through the stacks, leaving Daemon in the cubicle before I did something insane. Like throw common sense aside and run back to tackle him, pretending that everything hed done and said all those months ago hadnt left a raw mark on my heart. Because Id be pretending, right?
I didnt slow until I was standing in front of my locker on the other side of the school. I reached inside my backpack and pulled out my binder full of art crap. What a hell of a day back. Id dazed out in half of my classes, made out with Daemon, and blew up another computer. Seriously. I shouldve stayed home.