I press my lips together and stare straight ahead, wishing I could climb inside his mind and see the thoughts he keeps to himself, get to the bottom of what this is really about. Because despite the way he looks at me, despite the dismissive shrug that he gives, nothing hes said makes the least bit of sense.
Well, thats fine and all, I mean, if thats what you need to do, then great, have fun. I shrug, fully convinced that its not at all great, though knowing better than to say it out loud. But just how are you planning to get around now that youve ditched your ride? I mean, in case you havent noticed, this is California, you cant get anywhere without a car.
He looks at me, clearly amused by my outburst, which is not exactly the reaction Id planned. Whats wrong with the bus? Its free.
I gape, shaking my head, hardly believing my ears. And since when do you worry about cost, Mr. I Make Millions Playing The Ponies And Just Manifest Whatever Else I Might Want? Realizing just after its out that I forgot to shield my thoughts.
Is that how you see me? He stops just shy of the classroom door, obviously hurt by my careless assessment. As some shallow, materialistic, narcissistic, consumer-driven slob?
No! I cry, shaking my head and squeezing his hand. Hoping to convince him even though I actually did kind of mean it. Only not in a bad way like he thinks. More in a my boyfriend appreciates the finer things in life kind of way, and less in a my boyfriends the male version of Stacia kind of way. I just I squint, wishing I could be even half as eloquent as him, but still forging ahead when I say, I guess I just dont get it. I shrug. And whats up with the glove? I raise his leather-clad hand to where we can see.
Isnt it obvious? He shakes his head and pulls me toward the door.
But I just stay put, refusing to budge. Nothings obvious. Nothing makes sense anymore.
He pauses, hand on the knob, more than a little hurt when he says, I thought it was a good solution for now. But perhaps youd prefer I not touch you at all?
No! Thats not what I meant! Switching to telepathy the moment some classmates approach, reminding him how hard its been avoiding any and all skin-on-skin contact for the last three days. Pretending I had a cold when we both know we dont get sick, and other ridiculous avoidance techniques that left me feeling deeply ashamed. Its been torture, pure and simple. To have a boyfriend so gorgeous, so sexy, so amazingly awesomeand to not be able to touch himis the worst kind of agony.
I mean, I know we cant risk any accidental palm sweat exchange or anything like that, but still, dont you think it looks kind ofodd? I whisper, the second were alone again.
I dont care about that. His gaze open, sincere, and fixed right on mine. I dont care what other people think. I only care about you.
He squeezes my fingers and opens the door with his mind, leading me right past Stacia Miller as we head for our desks. And even though I havent seen her since Friday when she woke from Romans spell, Im sure her hatred for me hasnt dampened a bit. But while Im fully braced for her usual ploy of dropping her bag in my path in an attempt to trip metoday shes too distracted by Damens new look to play that tired old game. Her unhurried gaze traveling the length of him, from his head to his toes, before starting all over again.
But just because she ignores me doesnt mean I can relax or trust that its over. Because the truth is, its never over with Stacia. Shes made that abundantly clear. If anything shes probably more charged up and vicious than evermaking this little reprieve nothing more than the calm before the storm.
Ignore her, Damen whispers, scooting his desk so close the edges practically overlap.
And even though I nod as though I am, the truth isI cant. As much as Id love to pretend shes invisibleI cant do it. Shes in front of me now and Im completely obsessed. Peering into her thoughts, wanting to see what, if anything, happened between them. Because even though I know Romans responsible for all of the flirting, and kissing, and cuddling, I had no choice but to watch. Even though I know for a fact that Damen was completely deprived of free willthat doesnt change the fact that it happenedthat Damens lips pressed against hers while his hands roamed her skin. And even though Im pretty sure it didnt go any further than that, Id still feel a heck of a lot better if I could just get some evidence to back up my theory.
And despite how crazy, hurtful, and completely masochistic it isI wont stop until her memory gives, and every last horrible, painful, excruciating detail is finally revealed.
Im just about to delve deeper, travel to the very core of her brain, when Damen squeezes my hand and says, Ever, please. Stop torturing yourself. Ive already told you, theres nothing to see. I swallow hard, gaze fixed on the back of her head, watching her gossip with Honor and Craig, barely listening as he adds, It didnt happen. Its not what you think.
I thought you couldnt remember? I turn, overcome with shame the instant I see the pain in his eyes as he looks at me and shakes his head.
Just trust me. He sighs. Or at least try to. Please?
I inhale deeply, gazing at him, wishing I could, knowing I should.
Seriously, Ever. First you couldnt get over the past six hundred years of my dating, and now youre obsessed with last week? He knits his brow and leans closer, voice urgent, coaxing, as he adds, I know that your feelings are unbelievably hurt. Really, I do. But whats done is done. I cant go back, I cant change it. Romans done this on purposeyou cant let him win.
I swallow hard, knowing hes right. Im acting ridiculous, irrational, allowing myself to veer way off track.
Besides, Damen thinks, switching to telepathy now that our teacher, Mr. Robins, has arrived. You know its meaningless. The only one Ive ever loved is you. Isnt that enough?
He brings his gloved thumb to my temple, gazing into my eyes as he shows me our history, my many incarnations as a young servant girl in France, a Puritans daughter in New England, a flirtatious British socialite, an artists muse with gorgeous red hair
I gape, eyes wide, never having seen that particular life before.
But he just smiles, gaze growing warmer as he shows me the highlights of that time, a quick clip of the moment we metat a gallery opening in Amsterdamour first kiss just outside of the gallery that very same night. Presenting only the most romantic moments and sparing my death, which always, inevitably, comes before we can progress.
And after watching all of those beautiful moments unfold, his unabashed love for me laid bare to see, I gaze into his eyes, answering his question when I think: Of course its enough. Youve always been enough.
Then closing them in shame when I add: But am I enough for you?
Finally admitting the real truthmy fear that hell soon tire of the gloved hand-holding, the telepathic embrace, and seek out the real thing in a normal girl with safe DNA.
He nods, gloved fingers cupping my chin as he gathers me into a mental embrace so warm, so safe, so comforting, all of my fears slip away. Answering the apology in my gaze as he leans forward, lips at my ear as he says, Good. Now that thats settled, about Roman . . .
CHAPTER 4
As I make my way toward history class Im wondering which will be worseseeing Roman or Mr. Munoz? Because while I havent seen or spoken to either of them since last Friday when my whole world fell aparttheres no doubt I left them both on a pretty strange note. My last contact with Munoz consisting of me going all sentimental and not only confiding my psychic powerswhich is something I never dobut also encouraging him to date my aunt Sabinewhich is something Im seriously beginning to regret. And as awful as that was, its only rivaled by my last moments with Roman when I aimed my fist at his navel chakra, determined not just to kill him but to obliterate him completely. And I would have tooexcept for the fact that I totally choked and he got away. And even though in retrospect that probably worked out for the best, Im still so angry with him, whos to say I wont try again?
But the truth is, I know I wont try again. And not just because Damen spent the whole of English class telepathically lecturing me on how revenge is never the answer, how karma is the one and only true justice system, and plenty more blah blah blah like thatbut mostly because its not right. Despite the fact that Roman tricked me in the very worst way, leaving me absolutely no reason to ever trust him againI still dont have the right to kill him. It wont solve my problem. Wont change a thing. Even though hes awful, evil, and everything that adds up to bad, I still dont have the right to
Well theres my cheeky monkey!
He slithers up beside me, all blond tousled hair, ocean blue eyes, and shiny white teeth, leisurely stretching his strong, tanned arm across the classroom door, barring me from getting inside.
And thats all it takes. The grating purr of his contrived British accent and the complete creepiness of his leering gaze, and just like that Im tempted to kill him again.
But I wont.
I promised Damen I could get myself safely to and from class without resorting to that.
So tell me, Ever, how was your weekend? Did you and Damen enjoy a nice reunion? Was he able tosurvive youby chance?
I clench my fists by my sides, imagining how hed look as nothing more than a heap of designer clothes and a pile of dust, despite the vow of nonviolence I took.
Because if not, if you failed to heed my advice and took that old dinosaur out for a ride, then I suppose my deepest condolences are in order. He nods, gaze fixed on mine, lowering his voice as he adds, Not to worry though, you wont be alone for long. Once the proper mourning period ends, Ill be happy to step in and fill up the void his extinction has left.
I focus on my breath, keeping it slow and steady as I take in the strong, tan, muscular arm blocking my path, knowing all it would take is one well-placed karate chop to break it in half.
Hell, even if you did manage to hold back and keep him alive, all you have to do is say the word, and Im right by your side. He grins, eyes grazing over me in the most intimate way. But no need to answer too quickly or commit yourself yet. Take as long as you like. Because, Ever, I assure you, unlike Damen, Im a man who can wait. Besides, its just a matter of time before you come looking for me anyway.
Theres only one thing I want from you. I narrow my gaze until everything surrounding us blurs. And thats for you to leave me alone. Heat rising to my cheeks as his gaze deepens to a leer.
Fraid not, darlin. He laughs, looking me over and shaking his head. Trust me, you want way more than that. But not to worry, its like I said, Ill wait for as long as it takes. Its Damen Im worried about. And you should worry too. From what I saw those last six hundred years, hes an impatient man. Bit of a hedonist really. Didnt wait for much of anything so far as I could tell.
I swallow hard and strive to keep calm, reminding myself not to fall for his bait. Roman has a knack for locating my weakness, my psychological kryptonite so to speak, and pretty much lives to exploit it.
Dont get me wrong, hes always been one to keep up appearanceswearing the black armband, appearing inconsolable at the wakebut trust me, Ever, the moss hadnt time to adhere to his shoe before he was back on the prowl. Looking to drown his sorrows in whatever orshould I say whomeverhe could. And even though you prefer not to believe it, take it from someone whos been there all along. Damen waits for no one. And he certainly never waited for you.
I take a deep breath, filling my head with words, music, mathematical equations stretching far beyond my abilities, anything to drown out the words that are like carefully honed arrows aimed straight for my heart.
Yep. Sawr it wit me own eyes, I did! Smiling as he slips into a thick cockney brogue and back out again. Drina saw it too. Broke her poor heart. Though, unlike meand, Im afraid, quite unlike youDrinas love was unconditional. Willing to take him back no matter where hed been, no questions asked. Which, lets face it, is something youd never do.
Thats not true! I cry, voice hoarse, dry, as though its the first time Ive used it all day. Ive had Damen since the moment we metI I stop, knowing I shouldnt have started. Its useless to engage in this fight.
Sorry, darlin, but youre wrong. Youve never had Damen at all. A chaste kiss here, a bit of sweaty hand-holding there He shrugs, gaze mocking. Seriously, Ever, you think some pathetic attempts at second base can actually satisfy a greedy, narcissistic, self-indulgent bloke like him? For four hundred years no less?
I swallow hard, forcing a calm I dont own when I say, Thats a lot further than you ever got with Drina.
No thanks to you, he spits, harsh gaze on mine. But, its like I said, Im a man who can wait. Damen is not. He shakes his head. Shame youre so determined to play hard to get. You and I are a lot more alike than you think. Both of us pining after someone well never truly have
I could kill you right now, I whisper, voice shaky, hands trembling, even though I promised Damen I wouldnt do this, even though I know better. I could I suck in my breath, not wanting him to know what only Damen and I know, that targetting an immortals weakest chakra, one of the bodys seven energy centers, is the quickest way to obliterate them.
You could what? He smiles, face looming so close his breath chills my cheek. Slug me in my sacral center, perhaps?
I gape, wondering where he couldve possibly learned that.
But he just laughs, shaking his head as he says, Dont forget, luv, Damen was under my spell, which means he told me everything, answered every question I askedincluding a good bit about you.
I stand there, refusing to react, determined to appear composed, unruffledbut its too late. He got me. Right where it counts. And dont think he doesnt know it.
No worries, luv. Ive no plans to go after you. Even though your glaring lack of discernment and tragic misuse of knowledge tells me that a quick jab to the throat chakra is all it would take to destroy you for good He smiles, tongue snaking around his lips. Im having far too much fun watching you squirm to attempt something like that. Besides, it wont be long til youre squirming beneath me. Or even on top of me. Either will do. He laughs, blue eyes on mine, gazing at me in a way so knowing, so intimate, so deep, my stomach cant help but heave. Ill leave the details to you. But no matter how much you may want to, you wont go after me either. Mostly because I do have what you want. The antidote to the antidote. I assure you of that. Youre just gonna have to find a way to earn it. Youre just gonna have to pay the right price.
I gape, dry mouthed and slack jawed, remembering last Friday when he claimed the very same thing. So distracted by Damen awakening I forgot all about it til now.
I press my lips together as my gaze meets his, my hope rising for the first time in days, knowing its just a matter of time until the antidote is mine. I just need to find a way to get it from him.
Oh, look at that. He smirks. Seems you forgot all about our date with destiny.
He lifts his arm and I start to plow through, then he lowers it just as quickly, laughing as he locks me in place.
Deep breaths, he coos, lips grazing the edge of my ear, fingers sliding over my shoulder, leaving an icy cold wake in their path. No need to panic. No need to get all spazzed out again. Im sure that between us, we can come to some sort of mutual agreement, find a way to work something out.
I narrow my gaze, disgusted by the price that hes set, words slow and deliberate when I say, Nothing you could ever say or do could convince me to sleep with you! just as Mr. Munoz opens the door, allowing the entire class to overhear.
Whoa Roman smiles, hands raised in mock surrender as he backs into the room. Who said anything about bumpin uglies, mate? He throws his head back and laughs, allowing his creepy Ouroboros tattoo to flash in and out of view. I mean, not to disappoint you, darlin, but if its a good shag Im after, a virgins about the last place Id look!
I storm toward my desk, cheeks burning, gaze fixed on the floor, spending the next forty minutes cringing as my classmates burst into hysterics every time Roman directs a disgusting wet smoochy sound my way, despite Munozs numerous attempts to quiet them down. And the moment the bell rings, I make a run for the door. Desperate to get to Damen before Roman can, convinced Roman will push him too far and hell snapan act neither of us can afford now that Roman holds the key.
But just as I turn the knob I hear, Ever? Got a minute?
I pause, classmates piling up behind me, eager to get to the hall where they can follow Romans lead and taunt me some more. His mocking laughter trailing behind as I turn toward Munoz to see what he wants.
I did it. He smiles, posture stiff, voice anxious, but still eager for me to know.
I shift uncomfortably, moving my bag from one shoulder to the next, wishing Id taken the time to learn remote viewing so I could keep an eye on the lunch tables and ensure Damen sticks to the plan.
I approached her. Just like you told me to. He nods.
I squint, returning my focus to him, gut churning as I begin to understand.
The woman from Starbucks? Sabine? I saw her this morning. We even talked for a while, and He shrugs, gaze drifting away, obviously still very taken by the event.
I stand before him, breathless, knowing I have to stop it, whatever it takes, before it gets out of hand.
And you were right. She is really nice. In fact, I probably shouldnt tell you but were having dinner this Friday night.
I nod, numb, shell-shocked, the words glancing over me as I peer into his energy and watch it unfold in his head:
Sabine standing in line, minding her own business until Munoz approachescausing her to turn and grant him a smile thatsthatsshamefully flirtatious!
Except that theres no shame at all. At least not on Sabines part. Nor Munoz for that matter. No, the shame is all mine. Those two couldnt be happier.
This cannot happen. For too many reasons to mention this dinner can never take place. One of them being that Sabine is not just my aunt, but my guardian, my caretaker, my only living relative in the whole entire world! And another, possibly even more urgent reason, is the fact that, thanks to my pathetic, maudlin, overly sentimental, ill-advised moment of weakness last Friday, Munoz knows Im psychic while Sabine does not!
Ive gone to great lengths to keep my secret from her, and theres no way Im going to be outed by my love-struck history teacher.
But just as Im about to tell him that he absolutely cannot, under any circumstances whatsoever, take my aunt to dinner and/or divulge any information I mightve accidentally confessed during a weak moment when I was sure Id never see him again, he clears his throat and says, Anyway, you should get to lunch before its too late. I didnt mean to keep you this long, I just thought
Oh, no, its okay, I say. I just
But he doesnt let me finish. Practically pushes me out the door as he waves me away, saying, Go on now. Go find your friends. I just thought I should thank you, thats all.
CHAPTER 5
When I get to the lunch table I sit beside Damen, relieved to find everything as normal as any other day. Damens gloved hand squeezing my knee as I quickly scan the campus, looking for Roman as he thinks: Hes gone.
Gone? I gape, hoping he means gone as in not around, as opposed to gone as in pile of dust.
But Damen just laughs, the smooth melodic sound reverberating from his head to mine. Not annihilated. I assure you. Justabsentthats all. Drove off a few minutes ago with some guy Ive never seen before.
Did you talk? Did he try to provoke you? Damen shakes his head, his eyes peering into mine as I add: Good. Because we cant afford to go after himno matter what! He has the antidote! He admitted it! Which means all we have to do now is find a way to
Ever. He frowns. You cant possibly believe him! This is what Roman does. He lies and manipulates everyone around him. You have to stay away from himhes using youhe cant be trusted
I shake my head. This time is different. I can feel it. And I need for Damen to feel it too. Hes not lyingseriouslyhe said
Not even finishing the thought before Haven leans forward, eyes darting between us as she says, Okay, thats it. Just what the heck is going on here? Seriously, enough already.
I turn, noticing how her friendly yellow aura beams in such sudden sharp contrast to the deliberate harshness of her all-black ensemble. Knowing she means no ill will though shes definitely disturbed by us.
Seriously. Its likeits like you guys have some kind of creepy way of communicating. Like twin speak or something. Only yours is silent. And more eerie.
I shrug and open my lunch pack, going through the motions of unwrapping a sandwich Ive no plans to eat, determined to hide just how alarmed her question has made me. Knocking my knee against Damens, telepathically urging him to step in and handle this since Ive no idea what to say.
Dont pretend its not happening. Her eyes narrow in suspicion. Ive been watching you guys for a while now, and its really starting to creep me out.
Whats creeping you out? Miles gazes up from his phone, but only for a moment before hes back to texting again.
Those two. She points a short, black painted nail with a chunk of pink frosting stuck to its tip. I swear, they get stranger every day.
Miles nods, setting down his phone as he takes a moment to look us over. Yeah, Ive been meaning to mention that. You guys are weird. He laughs. Oh, and the whole Michael Jackson, one glove thing? He shakes his head and purses his lips. So not working for you. That look is so played even you cant bring it back.
Haven frowns, annoyed by Miless joke when shes trying to be serious. Laugh all you want, she says, gaze steady, unwavering. But somethings up with those two. I may not know what, but Ill figure it out. Ill get to the bottom of it. Youll see.
And Im just about to speak when Damen shakes his head and swirls his red drink, leaning toward Haven as he says, Dont waste your time. Its not as sinister as you think. He smiles, gaze fixed on hers. Were practicing telepathy, thats all. Attempting to read each others minds in place of talking all the time. So we stop getting in trouble in class. He laughs, causing me to squeeze my sandwich so hard the mayonnaise squirts out the sides. Gaping at my boyfriend whos just arbitrarily decided to break our number one ruleDont tell anyone who we are or what we can do!
Calming only slightly when Haven rolls her eyes and says, Please. Im not an idiot.
Wasnt implying you were. Damen smiles. Its quite real, I assure you. Would you like to try?
I freeze, body solid, unmoving, as though witnessing a disaster on the side of the roadonly this particular disaster is me.
Close your eyes and think of a number between one and ten. He nods, solemn gaze meeting hers. Focus on that number with all of your might. See it in your mind as clearly as you can, and silently repeat the sound of it over and over again. Got it?
She shrugs, brows merging as though in deep concentration. Though all it takes is a quick glance at her aura, morphing into a dark deceitful green, and a brief peek at her thoughts to see shes only pretending. Choosing to concentrate on the color blue instead of a random number like Damen said.
I glance between them, knowing shes baiting him, sure that his one in ten chance of hitting the right number works too much in his favor. Holding her ground as he rubs his chin and shakes his head, saying, I dont seem to be getting anything. Are you sure youre thinking of a number between one and ten?
She nods, deepening her focus on a beautiful shade of pulsating blue.
Then we must have our wires crossed. He shrugs. Im not getting a number at all.
Try me! Miles abandons his phone and leans toward Damen.
Eyes barely closed, thoughts hardly focused before Damen gasps, Youre going to Florence?
Miles shakes his head. Three. For your information, the number was three. He rolls his eyes and smirks. And by the way, everyone knows Im going to Florence. Sonice try.
Everyone but me, Damen says, jaws clenched, face gone suddenly pale.
Well, Im sure Ever told you. You know, telepathically. He laughs, returning to his phone again.
I peer at Damen, wondering why hes so upset over Miless trip. I mean, yeah, so he used to live there, but that was hundreds of years ago! I squeeze his hand, urging him to look at me, but he just stares at Miles with that same stricken look on his face.
Nice try with the whole telepathy angle, Haven says, swiping her finger across the top of her cupcake until its coated with strawberry frosting. But Im afraid youre gonna have to try a little harder than that. All youve managed to prove is that you guys are even weirder than I thought. But no worries, Ill get to the bottom of it. Ill expose your dirty little secret before long.
I hold back a nervous laugh, hoping shes just messing around, then peering into her mind only to see that shes serious.
When are you leaving? Damen asks, but only to appear conversational, having already uncovered the answer in Miless head.
Soon, but not soon enough, Miles says, eyes lighting up. Let the countdown begin!
Damen nods, gaze softening as he says, Youll love it. Everyone loves it. Firenze is a beautiful, charming place.
Youve been? Miles and Haven both ask at the same time.
Damen nods, gaze far away. I lived there oncea long time ago.
Haven glances between us, eyes narrowed again when she says, Drina and Roman lived there too.
Damen shrugs, expression noncommittal, as though the connection means nothing to him.
Well, dont you think thats a little strange? All of you living in Italy, in the same place, then all of you ending up herewithin months of each other? She leans toward him, abandoning her cupcake in search of some answers.
But Damens solid, refusing to cave or do anything that might give it away. He just sips his red drink and lifts his shoulders again, as though its hardly worth going into.
Is there anything I should see while Im there? Miles asks, more to break the tension than anything else. Anything that shouldnt be missed?
Damen squints, pretending to think, even though the answer comes quickly. All of Florence is worth seeing. But you should definitely check out the Ponte Vecchio, which is the first bridge to cross the Arno River and the only one left standing after the war. Oh, and you must visit the Galleria dellAccademia which houses Michelangelos David among other important works, and perhaps the
Definitely hitting David, Miles says. As well as the bridge, and the famous Il Duomo, and all the other items that make every guidebook top ten list, but Im more interested in the smaller, off-the-beaten-path kind of placesyou know, where all the cool Florentines go. Roman was raving about this one place, I forget the name, but its supposed to house some obscure Renaissance artifacts and paintings and stuff few people know about. You got anything like that? Or even clubs, shopping, that kind of thing?
Damen looks at him, gaze so intense it sends a chill down my spine. Nothing offhand, he says, trying to soften the look though his voice betrays a definite edge. Though any place that claims to house great art but isnt in the guidebook is probably a fake. The antiquities market is loaded with forgeries. You shouldnt waste your time on that when there are so many other, far more interesting things to see.
Miles shrugs, bored by the conversation and already back to texting again. Whatever, he mumbles, thumbs tapping quickly. No worries. Roman said hed make me a list.
CHAPTER 6
Im amazed by the progress youve made. Damen smiles. You learned all this on your own?
I nod, gazing around the large, empty room, pleased with myself for the first time in weeks.
The moment Damen mentioned he wanted to rid the place of all the overly slick furniture hed filled it with during Romans reign of terror, I was on it. Jumping at the chance to clear out the row of black leather recliners and flat-screen TVs, the red felt pool table and chrome-covered barall of them symbols, physical manifestations, of the bleakest phase in our relationship so far. Taking aim at each piece with such unchecked enthusiasm thatwellIm not even sure where it went. All I know is its no longer here.
Looks like youre no longer in need of my lessons. He shakes his head.
Dont be so sure. I turn, smiling as I push his dark wavy hair off his face with my newly gloved hand, hoping well get that cure from Roman soon, or at least come up with a less hokey alternative. I have no idea where that stuff even wentnot to mention how I cant possibly fill up this space when I have no clue where you stashed all the stuff you used to have. Reaching for his hand a second too late, and frowning as he walks over to the window.