Page 28 of Blood & Betrayals

Connor sputters, “I just…I wasn’t flexing.” He flexes again, his jersey straining over his impressive physique. I jab them again and shrug.

“I’m not sure that made much of a difference, shrimp.”

Alice throws her head back, unleashing her cackle. Rafe stands, not looking at any of us as he leaves the cafeteria in absolute hysterics. Zach and Zane stare after him until he is out of sight before they turn back to watch Connor and me standing off.

“You’re trying to make me mad,” Connor says, glaring at me.

I place my hand on my chest and widen my eyes, sticking my lower lip out in an artful pout. “Me?”

Connor gently but firmly grasps my chin, tilting my head up. “Yes, you.”

That hold does something to me, something I don’t like. Somehow, it has made it impossible for me to look away from his lips.

“Manhandling me, Morningstar?”

Connor leans in slightly, his mouth a breath away from mine. From the corner of my eye, I see Zach and Zane grinning like lunatics. “You trying to make me angry, Tuatha De Daanan?”

I quirk an eyebrow. “Know my first name yet?”

“If I say yes, do I get a kiss?” Connor asks, and my stomach flutters.

I bite back a moan. Gods, have his lips always been so plump and perfect?

“I’ll make you a deal, Morningstar.”

He leans in closer, and his scent wraps around me. “Oh?”

“I will give youonekiss when you figure out my name, but you should choose your timing wisely.”

His breath feathers over my lips. “And why is that, gorgeous?”

My lips curl into a half smile. “Do you really want to waste youronekiss in the school canteen?”

“Oh, I have no intention of wasting it,” Connor says with a smirk, his voice having dropped an octave. He pulls away, and I fall a little toward him. I right myself quickly, my cheeks heating. “See you tonight.” He chuckles, the sound full of masculine satisfaction. So annoying. He slings his bag over his shoulder before walking away. I don’t watch his ass as he leaves, and I consider that a major win.

“So, you know he’s known your name since like… Tuesday, right?” Zach asks.

I glance at him. “How?”

“Rafe hacked the records,” Zach whispers conspiratorially.

Zane punches him hard in the arm. “Snitch.”

I roll my eyes. “Rafe is definitely my favorite.”

“Rafe is very special. I can see how the two of you would connect,” Luke says, studying me. I struggle not to squirm under his gaze. He sees too much. Out of all the Morningstars, Lukefeels different. He’s kind and seems to put everyone around him at ease. I don’t mean the others aren’t kind, but there’s something at Luke’s core that makes him rare in more ways than one. He may never be a warrior like his brothers, but he is equally impressive.

“You are a very close second, Luke.” I smile at him.

“And us?” Zane prompts.

“Tied for third, I guess.”

“Con is last?” Zach snorts.

“Oh, absolutely.”

“You are the only person who has ever put him last.” Zach snickers. “Even our mom’s list goes Luke, Connor, me, Rafe, and Zane.”

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