Page 68 of Blood & Betrayals

When we arrive at lunch, our table is occupied by the Morningstar clan as usual, but today, there is an empty seat beside Connor. I try to ignore how my stomach flutters and sit next to him. He gives me a huge, contagious smile that infects me like a plague.

“Hi.”

My lips twitch. “Hi, big guy.”

He slides his arm around my waist and pulls me in closer, nuzzling my cheek. “The twins have some questions about the… happy accident.”

I turn my head and brush my lips over his. For some reason, a kiss seems less intimate than him nuzzling into me, and it is habit to keep that barrier between us in place. Connor doesn’t seem to notice. He just pulls me in closer and smiles against my lips.

Zach loudly clears his throat. “Anyway.” He drags out the word, conveying his frustration at not being the center of attention. I pull back from Connor and give Zach a flat look. “Spatial magic? That’s batshit!”

Alice scowls. “I had a vision. It needed space.”

Connor laughs into my hair and kisses the top of my head, his thumb gently stroking my side in a comforting rhythm.

Rolling my eyes, I pop a grape into my mouth. “I’ve already lectured her, and I’m going to tutor her in runes.” I shake my head. “She was sloppy.”

“Maybe I was just distracted by the marathon sex you two were having.”

I quirk a brow. “You were thinking about the sex I was having?”

Zane gasps in mock outrage and covers Luke’s ears. “Summer! Alice! Please, there is a child present.”

“He’s the same age as Alice and I!” I retort as Luke elbows Zane, nearly pushing him out of his chair.

“He is and will always be baby Luke, even when he’s in his thousands.” Zach takes a chip from Zane’s plate, earning himself a scathing look from his brother.

Alice ignores them and says to me, “It was the volume with which you were having it.”

“You were wearing noise-canceling headphones!” Connor says, pressing his smile against my head.

“And they were not canceling enough.” Alice crosses her arms.

“Enough about Connor’s and Summer’s sex life! Back to the party!” Zach shouts, drawing attention back to him.

I brush my thumb over Connor’s thigh. When did I rest my hand here? Why is this so simple? Connor places his hand over mine and squeezes, a warm smile on his face.

“So, part of the Council’s mission is to have a party in every building on campus,” Zane says,

“Council?” I ask, glancing between the twins.

Zach nods and leans in, dropping his voice. “The Council of Epic Parties.”

Wow, that is an awful name. “Okay…”

“Why?” Alice asks, narrowing her eyes at them.

Zane puts his hand to his chest, looking affronted. “Because this is an art.”

Connor chuckles, and I can feel the vibration of it against my side.

“Well, the point is, we’ve never held one in Kelpie because the dorms are so small,” Zach answers.

“I hope you know my willingness to wear Connor’s jersey to the next game rests solely on your ability to make this party happen. Some would say your brother’s happiness rests on your shoulders.” I squeeze Connor’s thigh in commiseration.

Connor hooks his finger under my chin and tilts my head up, so I meet his gaze. His eyes are sparkling with humor and dark with lust from watching me go head-to-head with his brothers and come out victorious. “Is that right?”

“You forgot about our deal already, big guy?” I purr at him.

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