Page 85 of Demon Kissed
I drop my eyes to my lap and watch William’s hand for a second. His fingers are so long and graceful compared to mine.
Raz’s voice cuts through my contemplation. “There will be another car caravanning with us. I have some family who are going to the same place.”
Confused, I turn in my seat to see an electric blue Dodge Charger screech into the parking lot. Akor is behind the wheel. And in the backseat, giggling like a maniac, is Adam. I want to jump out of my seat and throttle him for driving so fast with my little brother in the seat. But Kastros starts up the van, and all I can do is twist in my seat, my hand pulling away from William’s, so I can peer out the back window in time to see Van and Zolroth walking toward the car and climbing in.
Guess we’re all going on a little field trip.
* * *
Two hoursinto practicing with William, I’m simply amazed. He hasn’t missed more than ten questions.
“Do you have a photographic memory?” I ask, setting the cards down on my lap.
He gives me an easy grin. “I guess.”
From behind him, Janie grumbles quietly, “Can’t remember to call me back though,” as she sends yet another string of texts out into the world. She’s tried once or twice to steal his attention, but eventually, he told her that his parents really want him to get a scholarship and he has to focus.
I feel that. Parental pressure is the worst. And I’m so relieved to be free of it.
William reaches forward and grabs the stack of cards in my lap. His hands deliberately close over mine, and his fingers stroke my wrists for a second before he says, “Let me quiz you now.” He gently tugs the stack of cards away but drags his hand along my thigh instead of just picking them up.
I try not to gasp at the sensation, but I do hold my breath, and when William catches my eye, he grins.
He knows exactly what he’s doing. He leaves the cards on my thigh when he reaches the edge of my skirt, and then his thumb traces over my bare skin.
What is he doing? Why is he doing this in public? He knows Janie is right there. Raz and Kastros are just up front.
I clear my throat shakily. “Will you ask me science questions? That’s my weakest subject.”
He nods. “Sure.”
“Great. I started reviewing the infectious disease cards. I got through herpes but…” I trail off as William removes his hands from my thighs.
“Herpes, got it.” He bites down on a grin, and I try not to blush as I glance hesitantly at the front.
Kastros’s eyes are on me in the rearview mirror, not even on the road. And that tic in his jaw? It reminds me of that final night with my parents.
I wonder if it’s because I’m close to getting what I wished for. Once William and I are officially together, I think the terms of my summons cease. But the demons have become such an integral part of my life. I wonder if Kastros is as upset as I am that we’re so close to saying goodbye.
29
We arriveat the hotel a few hours later, wheeling in our luggage as Alanna squeals at the top of her lungs and Wade adopts an unimpressed look.
“I’ve seen better,” he tells me snidely as his eyes flicker to the five-tiered chandelier hanging in the entrance.
I have to admit—Kastros went all out when he booked this place for our stay. The hotel screams opulence and wealth. The lobby itself makes me think we transported back in time one hundred years to the mansion of a governor or someone equally as grand. Two spiraling staircases lead to a second-floor balcony that overlooks the lobby below. In the direct center of the room, basking in the light of the chandelier, is an assortment of old-fashioned, high-backed chairs that could’ve been plucked straight from an antique store or an estate sale. They sit comfortably on a circular, cashmere rug embroidered with intricate golden strands. There’s a grand piano as well, directly adjacent to a waterfall spewing multi-colored lights. As I watch, transfixed, the light changes from a light green to a brilliant purple and then to a dusky blue.
I have no idea how Kastros was able to convince the school to pay for all of this, especially after we had tryouts to limit the number of kids who could come. But then again, he’s a scary motherfucker when he needs to be.
At some point during the drive, the car holding Akor, Van, Zolroth, and Adam fell slightly behind. I’m ninety-nine percent sure Akor decided to impulsively take Adam to see the biggest ball of yarn in the continental United States. I think I read that’s in Kansas…about six hours away from our hotel.
“Alright!” Raz claps his hands together as he glowers down at us. And when I say “down,” I mean it. He quite literally towers over even the tallest person—which is William, by the way, followed shortly by Wade and then Darrel. “We’re going to check you all into rooms. Stay here, and stay out of trouble.” He directs the last statement with a pointed look in my direction. If I’m not mistaken, his scowl deepens even more, especially when his eyes flick to William chatting with Tim.
Kastros scowls as well, folding his huge arms over his even bigger chest, before stalking towards the reception desk. Raz, after a lingering look at me, follows after his friend.
The others all but collapse where we stand, dropping to the ground or perching on their luggage. I’m just about to do the same when I feel a skeletal hand squeezing down on my shoulder. Her acrylic nails would be easy to spot anywhere, painted a dark blood red. Janie sneers down at me before quickly plastering on a tight-lipped smile.
“Katrina,” she coos, her voice saccharine sweet while simultaneously dripping with menace. It’s like a pretty-colored acid that cascades across your skin, leaving nothing behind but bones and guts. “We need to talk.”
