Page 26 of Supernova

“I’m sure you weren’t,” he said, dripping with sarcasm.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Griff. I just wanted some fresh air … and … I missed the stars.” I wrapped my arms around myself, rubbing slightly to provide some warmth as I looked up to the sky, spotting a few of the brighter stars through the clouds. It was colder out here than I had expected.

“You cold?” He asked with a hint of concern. He then quickly followed it up with something more his usual calibre, “I can think of a few ways we can keep warm.” If only he could hear my eyes roll.

My mind wandered to what the girls had told me earlier; that he gave me more attention than he did any other girl. Was this something he would say to everyone? It was more than likely he would. There was no point dwelling on it or getting excited that he maybe had a thing for me.

When I didn’t reply he walked over, taking a seat on the window sill beside me. His leg pressed against my own, as did his broad shoulder, offering me warmth along the side of my body where we touched. With his legs spread apart, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he continued playing with the small weapon. He didn’t make eye contact with me this time, instead focusing his attention on the movements of the dagger.

“I like to watch the stars too; they remind me how small and insignificant we are in the scheme of things.” His whispered words broke the moment of silence between us.

“That’s a little dark,” I replied, wondering how someone as confident and impressive as him could ever feel insignificant.

He gave me a somber laugh. “Yeah, well I’m not exactly a ray of sunshine, now am I?”

Now it was my turn to laugh. “What are you talking about, your presence and sunny disposition is infectious,” I teased, shoving against him playfully.

He turned to look at me as his lips raised into a genuine smile. I didn’t even realise how intensely I was staring at those lips and that smile until they twisted into one of mischief. I also didn’t realise I leaned into him slightly. His fingers slowly reached out to my face, pushing back a stray strand of my hair. Was this normal? Great, now I was going to be overthinking everything even more than usual. Like I needed a reason to be more neurotic. With this revelation, I pulled back from him. I noticed as the briefest hint of disappointment played on his features but he quickly schooled his face back into its usual unreadable expression.

“One week down,” he casually stated. “I’m surprised, you’ve been able to hold your own.”

“In training?” I asked, slightly offended.

“No.” He gave me a disarming grin. “In not giving in to temptation.”

There it was again, that inflated sense of self. Although, he wasn’t wrong, it was hard to resist—not that I’d ever let him know that.

“Believe it or not, it hasn’t been that difficult.” But between all the flirting, the sexual tension and the fact that it would be a big ‘fuck you’ to River, it was starting to look like a pretty good idea. With the option so easily accessible, or so it seemed anyway, it was indeed becoming increasingly difficult.

“Yeah, I find that hard to believe.” He said it so matter of factly.

“You would,” I stated.

“It’s only a matter of time. You’ll give in eventually.” Was it bad that I was starting to consider it? Maybe it would be just what I needed?

“See, how can someone this sure of himself ever feel insignificant.” I shot back at him.

He placed his hand on his heart, feigning hurt for a split second with a cheeky glimmer in his eyes. “You’re right, there’s nothing insignificant about me.”

“Wow. I’m speechless.”

“I tend to have that effect on girls,” he bragged, the corner of his mouth dragged up on one side, flashing me with his perfect teeth.

“Is that how it went the other night? You came back awfully early for someone who claims so much. I assumed you’d at least last a little longer than the average guy. But if Saturdaywas any indication, it seems like Mr Big Shot is all talk and no game.” I was thoroughly enjoying the banter. The distraction.

“I’m anything but average, baby. Not all girls can handle this.” He gestured to himself.

“Oh, I’m sure,” I scoffed.

“I have a feeling you could handle me though. Should we test that theory?” The look he gave me had me weak at the knees.

Maybe coming out here wasn’t such a great idea after all.

CHAPTER 19

The next morning I lay there, on the cold hard ground looking up at Griffin as he rubbed his chin and smirked. “Do you need a hand there, Superstar?” His tone was laid thick with sarcasm. I always dreaded sparring with him—it always ended with me on the floor, just where he liked me no doubt.

I got up and tried to punch him again, hopefully using the humour he found in the situation to my advantage.

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