I headed back up the path, Olivia snapping at my heel. Seths deep laughter followed us all the way out of the courtyard. We didnt speak again until we stood in front of our dorm. Shock must have dampened the weird hot flash, because it was no longer there. For a multitude of reasons, I felt grateful.
Well, Olivia said a bit unsteadily.
Yeah
Her lips pursed. I hate Seth. I think hes an ass, but he does have a really nice butt.
Yeah
Olivias eyes were wide. You know what? I think Im going to go see Caleb. Like right now.
I snickered. Yeah, you go do that.
CHAPTER 7
NOT SURPRISINGLY, SETH KNOCKED ON MY BEDROOM WINDOW that night. Honestly, the curfew thing suckedbeing confined to my room and not being able to really sleep usually left me with a mad case of boredomso I kind of welcomed his little visits. Especially when he just wanted to watch a movie and Id fall asleep.
But tonight was different.
I still hadnt decided what to wear tomorrow, and that was a major deal. Aiden only ever saw me in boring gym clothes. I needed something cutea little sexybut I couldnt look like I was trying too hard. My entire closet was on my bed. And of course, Id just seen some of Sethsuh, more private parts. I kind of didnt want to see his face tonight.
The knock came again, more urgent. Groaning, I went to the window and opened it. Thankfully he was fully dressed. What?
Seth loped over the windowsill, inviting himself in. Nice jammies.
Shut up. I grabbed a sweater off the bed and slipped it on, wishing Id put on long PJ bottoms instead of shorts and a thin tank.
You know, I dont care about the tag marks. Makes you look dangerous in an extremely hot way.
Its not the marks Im covering up, and you know that.
Partly true and partly a lie. The scars embarrass you, because youre incredibly vain for a chick who wants to be a Sentinel. And youre uncomfortable being half-naked around me
Im not half-naked! And Im not uncomfortable around you. And Im not vain.
Youre a terrible liar. He sat down on my bed.
Okay. I was lying. Vanity wasnt the worst sin and yeah, Seth made me uncomfortable for a lot of reasons, but that wasnt the point. Why are you here?
I wanted to check on you.
My brows furrowed. Why?
His glanced around the room, his gaze settling on the clothes scattered around. Cant find what to wear?
Uh I was just going through my closet.
I can tell.
I sighed, rubbing my forehead wearily. What do you want? As you can see Im kind of busy.
A brow arched. I know. What an exciting life you live, going through your closet on a Friday night and all.
Yeah, not all of us have the exciting life you do, Seth.
His lips split into a satisfied grin. I knew it.
Knew what?
Youre mad at me.
I stared at him and lifted my arms, waiting for a better explanation.
Youre upset over this afternoon. He pushed aside several potential choices for tomorrow as he leaned back. Were you jealous, Alex?
My jaw almost hit the floor. It took me a moment to respond. Im confused to why you think Id be jealous.
Seth gave me a knowing look. Perhaps youre jealous of Elena?
What? I picked up a cute sweater Id bought before wed gone into lockdown. Me, jealous of Elena and her Tinkerbell hairdont think so.
He stretched over and tugged the sweater out of my hand. Oh. Catty, arent you?
Not at all. If Id only known about your Peter Pan complex, I wouldve introduced you two sooner. I reached for it, but he rolled it up into a ball and tossed the sweater across the room. Ugh! You are so annoying!
Just admit youre jealous. Thats the first step, and the second step is doing something
about it.
I glared at Seth. I could care less whator whoyou do in your spare time. Then something struck me. Wait. You know what? This is messed up.
Do tell.
Everyone jumps me about how every single thing I do is a reflection upon you, but youre doing people in the garden! How is that okay?
You make it sound so distasteful. He smiled much like a cat. Dont knock it until you try it. Oh. Wait. You havent tried anything , have you, my little virgin Apollyon?
I swung out at him as hard as I possibly could. Anticipating my reaction, Seth caught my hand. His eyes flashed dangerously as he tugged me forward. My own momentum caused me to stumble. I ended up falling forward.
Seth twisted onto his side and circled his arms around me. Always hitting, he said cheerfully. I think we should work on your manners.
The side of my face was smashed into a pile of shirts that had gone into the maybe pile. Oh, come on. Youre wrinkling all my clothes, you jerk-face.
Your clothes are fine. I want to chat.
I tried to elbow him, but his arms clamped down. Really, you want to talk right now?
He wriggled closer. Yes.
And we have to be lying like this for what reason?
I dont know. It makes me feel good. I know it makes you feel good. And I dont mean the way Im sure you think I mean. He paused, and I could feel his chest rise and fall against my back. Our bodies relax around each other.
I scrunched up my face, not buying his reason at all. Can we talk about something else?