Page 46 of Silver Elite

My attention shifts to the captain. As much as I hate myself for it, I can’t help but admire the way his shirt hugs his broad shoulders, and how his dark hair falls in perfect disarray across his forehead.

I’m not the only one staring. Beside me, Lyddie wears a dreamy expression.

Trying not to laugh, I lean closer and say, “Please don’t tell me you’re locked on the captain.”

“Of course not.” Her cheeks turn red. “But…I mean…don’t tell me you don’t see it, too.”

“See what?”

“His face. His body.”

“Both of mine are better,” Kaine says, and I roll my eyes at him.

“He’s not unattractive,” I say in concession, maintaining a casual tone even as my heartbeat accelerates at the memory of that velvety whisper in my ear.

I like it rough.

He was trying to get under my skin. I know that. I just wish it hadn’t worked.

As if sensing my gaze on him, he swings his head in my direction. When he spots me, I raise one hand in a sweet fluttery wave and flash him a big fake smile. There’s a hint of a dimple before he turns back to the older man he’s speaking to. The uniformed man has dark hair streaked with gray and boasts four silver stars on his sleeve. Another captain from this block.

That’s when I notice Ivy frowning at me. I’m not the only one to pick up on it, as Lyddie murmurs, “Oh, someone doesn’t like that.”

“Who? Ivy?”

Lyddie nods. “They used to be together.”

I manage to mask my surprise in time. I can’t appear overly interested in anyone here, even our esteemed captain.

“Really. How do you know that?” Lyddie’s proving to be a wealth of information, which makes her an unexpected asset to me.

“She was a couple of levels ahead of me in upper school, but her sister was in my level. Mira talked about them a lot. I think it lasted about a year. Ended when he joined the Command.”

Interesting.

I shoot another discreet look Ivy’s way. Not discreet enough, though. She’s still watching me. Still frowning. “Is that why she’s here now? Trying to get close to him again?”

“Wouldn’t shock me. It’s her second go-around, after all. But if she’s retaking the Program hoping to get his attention, that’s incredibly pathetic. He doesn’t want you. Move on.”

I don’t entirely hate this petty side to Lyddie.

“Damn, Lydia. Behind those freckles you’re a real bitch,” Kaine says, grinning.

“I’m not a bitch,” she protests. “All I’m saying is, you only get two shots at Silver Block, and she already failed once. At this point, just accept it—you belong in Copper. Go guard a gate or something.”

I smother a laugh while Kaine chuckles. Yes. Spiteful Lyddie is a delight.

“Why aren’t they together anymore?” I ask.

“I don’t know. Maybe Daddy didn’t approve.”

“Her daddy?”

“No, his.” Lyddie shrugs. “The General’s not known to welcome strangers into his midst with open arms.”

“The General? What does he have to do with this?”

She gives me a bemused look. “It’s his father.”

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