Page 71 of Demon Kissed
I think it’s fear,he continues on, his scowl deepening.
I want to tell him that his face will get stuck like that, but it’s pretty damn sexy either way.
I think you’re afraid,he signs.
“Of leaving Adam alone with my ’rents? You’re damn right I am.”
Of becoming your own person. I think you’re constantly afraid that you’ll let people down, no matter what you do or accomplish. I think those shits you call parents really did a number on you.With every word he signs, he appears to become more animated. His scowl doesn’t lessen, but his eyes become…well…dare I say, warmer?I signed you up because you’re damn good at this, Kat, and I can see how much you love it. I know you’re too selfless to sign yourself up. You deserve this. You deserve it all.
The sincerity in his eyes, the pure and undiluted belief he has in me, is almost too much. My throat closes as emotions sweep over me like a tsunami wreaking havoc on the shore.
“But Adam…”
Trust me, Kat,he signs, eyes imploring my own.We care about him too. But this isn’t about him. This is about you and what you want. So tell me, little demon, what doyouwant?
You.The thought springs to me unbidden, but I shush my internal voice instantly.
I allow myself to think through what I actually want. Not what I need to do. Not what my parents expect me to do. Not what society dictates I have to do. But whatIwant to do.
And what I want to do is compete in this tournament.
My acquiescence must be plain to see on my face, for Kastros’s lips twitch. He nods once, steps into my airspace, and plants a tender kiss on my forehead. The heat his large, muscular body emits is almost palpable, and I feel so incredibly little and small with him looming over me. But also safe and cherished and protected. And loved. And cared for. And—
Uh oh.
It will really, really suck if I started developing a crush on my demon friends, now wouldn’t it?
Because sooner or later, they’re going to fulfill their end of the bargain and go home to “Center,” that bitch. And I’m going to be left with a shattered heart and no one around to help me pick up the pieces.
23
The problemwith competitions is that you have to put up or shut up. I’m typically more of a shut up kind of girl.
But Janie’s taken out the big guns, literally. She’s stripped off her school shirt and is wearing only a very thin white tank top when Kastros and I return, her push-up bra her main weapon.
Fucking great.
I can see that Wade and Tim’s eyes are already glazed; they’ll gladly give up their seats for her, I’m sure.
I shake my head as I walk back to my seat. Tournaments usually allow nine people to compete, but since this is going to be an expensive, out-of-state tournament, we only get seven. Those seven have to be the best, because every single score will count. I’ve always come up with some kind of excuse—dental work, parents out of town—to get out of having to compete for a spot.
Not this time.
I’m just about to close my eyes and psych myself up for speeches, when in walks William Washington.
Did I just jump through the multiverse? In what universe would William walk into the academic decathlon classroom willingly?
He’s in his rowing uniform, which is like a tank-top wetsuit that showcases his massive biceps. His golden hair falls enticingly over his honey brown eyes, and I forget to breathe for a second when he looks at me and smiles.
I blink, but then my responding smile is like a thousand suns smashed together into one brilliant ball of light.
“Baby!” an obnoxious voice sounds behind me.
Horror. I realize that William wasn’t smiling at me. He was smiling at Janie. Behind me.
Pit of Hell, open up. Take me now.
I close my eyes and pretend that I’m getting myself focused for the speeches, but really, all I’m trying to do is avoid facing my humiliation. God, I hope I didn’t look that excited…but I know I did. I know I looked like a kid entering the toy store with their stash of birthday money. Fuck me.
