When we were stopped by the first set of Guards, I expected them to demand what Aiden was doing with a half-blood. But they let us pass without so much as asking for an explanation. The same thing happened at the second bridge, the one leading off of Deity Island and onto Bald Head Island.
I cant believe they just let you take me off the island without a single question, I said as Aiden navigated the streets of the mortal island. What happened to the rules?
Im a pure-blood.
And Im a half-blooda half-blood whos not supposed to step one foot off the Covenant, let alone Deity Island. Not that Im complaining or anything. Im just a little surprised.
They assume were doing field training.
I glanced at him. Arent we?
Smiling, Aiden leaned over and turned on the radio. He settled on a rock station, and I stared at him. The early smugness started to flake away. He didnt give any further explanation when I asked again, and finally, I decided to stop asking and we started talking about normal things. My classes, an episode of some TV show called Sanford and Son never heard of itbut some guy apparently pretended to have a heart attack every episode, and Aiden found it hilarious. I wasnt convinced of the hilarity.
We talked about how Id almost beaten him in practice yesterday, and how he was considering buying a motorcycle. Which I was strongly behind, because really, what could make Aiden hotter
than he already was?
A motorcycle.
What kind of bike are you looking at?
He got this dreamy, far-off look on his facealmost like the kind of look I got when I saw chocolate or him. A Hayabusa. He passed a string of cars without missing a beat.
A crotch rocket? I reached for the radio, flipping the stations. Aiden had the same thought in mind, because his fingers brushed over mine. I jerked back, flushed.
Aiden cleared his throat. Its more than a crotch rocket. Its, well, let me put it this way. If it came down between me saving a Hayabusa or the Minister, it would be a difficult decision.
I busted out laughing. Oh, my gods, I cant believe you admitted that.
He started to smile. Well.
Its awesome, I gasped.
The smile grew, exposing the deep dimples in his cheeks. For a moment, I stopped laughing, stop smilinghell, I stopped breathing. Then I saw the sign along the interstate for Asheboro, and I really did stop breathing for a couple of seconds.
We were thirty miles from Asheboro. I know Asheboro, I whispered.
I know.
I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldnt pull my gaze from the window. The trees lining the road formed an array of browns, reds, and yellows. The last time Id been near Asheboro it had been summer, and the rolling hills had been green.
Seven years ago.
Tearing myself away from the window, I stared at Aiden. He focused on the road. I know where were going.
You do?
Excitement bubbled through me. So did disbelief. I bounced forward in my seat. This isnt field experience.
Aidens lips twitched. Consider it an experience in taking a day offa day being normal.
Youre taking me to the zoo! I screeched, bouncing again. The seatbelt choked me back.
He couldnt keep the smile back. It covered his face, filled his eyes. Yes, were going to the zoo.
Butbut why? I swiveled around in the seat, pressing my face against the window. The smile on my face was absurdly huge. I dont deserve this.
Several moments passed. Yes, you do. I think you deserve a break from everything. Youve been working so hard, pulling doubletripleduty. And you really dont complain
I shot around, facing him. I complain. I complain all the time.
Shaking his head, Aiden laughed. I stand corrected.
Shock kept pushing more stupid statements out of my mouth. But Ive been in so much trouble. I threw an apple at Leas face. I fought Guards. I cheated on my trig exam.
Aiden looked at me, frowning. You cheated on your math exam?
Uh, forget that. Anyway, wow, Im just surprised.
Alex, you need to get away from it all every once in a while. You need a breaka real one. Just like I do, he paused, concentrating on the road. I figured we could get away together.
I think my heart may have exploded, right then and there. The importance of what he was doingthe implication of itdidnt pass me by unnoticed. This was hugehuge to us. Pures and halfs didnt get away together for a relaxing day. We may coexist together, but we lived in different worlds. We had to. It was the rules, the way of our society. Aiden risked a lot by doing this. If by random chance we were spotted, hed be in a lot of trouble. Maybe not as much as me, but hell, I didnt care. I cared that he wanted to do this for me .
That had to mean somethingsomething really wonderful.
Aiden glanced at me, his eyes shiningwith what? I didnt know, but in that instant, I could only think about what I felt for Aiden. Until then, I hadnt been willing to admit that it was anything more than a crush or lust, because really, who didnt lust after him? But what expanded in my chest, swelled my heart until I felt sure it would burst from my chest, wasnt a silly crush. It wasnt just a physical attraction.