Page 44 of Wings of Ash & Flame
She straightened, lifting her chin, relying on her veneer of snark. “Is this your grand plan to stay close to me, Knox? Bold move. Too bad I’m not interested.”
“Doubtful,” he said. “You collapsed out there. I saw it.” His figure loomed further over her bed. “And you don’t have a choice—not if you want to pass Professor Leslie’s class.”
Partner with the prince or fail and be sent to the front lines? Right now, the vampires were sounding more appealing than this arrogant ass.
“I was fine,” she retorted. “The blow cut off my windpipe for a moment, that’s all.”
The corner of his lips pulled up slightly. “A blow? That’s your story?”
Was that a smile?But like a shooting star, it vanished before she could be sure.
“Believe what you want.”
“Fine.” He shook his head. “But things will only get harder from here on out.”
“I’m perfectly capable of handling myself.”
Dawson looked at her—really looked at her—his gaze filled with something akin to pity. “You’re only human, Alaire. Flesh and blood.”
Only human.
The words struck like a physical blow. Her fists clenched as a flash of heat crept up her spine. Yes, only human: a bodythat bruised, lungs that gasped for air, muscles that burned and ached when pushed too far. She hated that her body had betrayed her, made her feel vulnerable even for a moment.
She swallowed thickly and rolled her shoulders back. “Scared I’ll drag down your reputation, Knox?” she teased, leaning closer.
He shook his head. “You’re obviously fine. I have things that require my attention.”
Alaire’s eyes glinted with challenge. “Oh? What’s so important?”
His gaze hardened. “That’s none of your business. Just keep your shit together, Aerendyl. Unfortunately for both of us, you’re my responsibility now.”
There it was—satisfaction at his frustration, a tiny victory in their constant push and pull.
“Fine,” she shot back, voice low and dangerous, “but if you want me to stay out of trouble, maybe you should tell your subjects to back off with the stares and taunts.”
Dawson lingered at the end of the bed, considering her for a moment. “I’ll see what I can do. Can’t make any promises.”
“How generous of you.”
“It is.” He stepped toward the threshold of the cubicle, then stopped, looking back at her. “You’re not what I expected, Alaire Aerendyl.”
Alaire went very still. “Meaning?”
He was quiet for so long she thought he wouldn’t answer. Then: “I thought you’d be…” Dawson gestured to her entire self.
“Grateful? Meek?” Her tone was ripe with sarcasm. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“No.” The word hung between them, thick with unspoken meaning. “Just surprised.”
Alaire’s eyes widened, caught completely off guard. The admission unsettled her more than she cared to admit.
“You didn’t.” The words came out rough. “Disappoint me.”
She studied his face, searching for the lie, the trick, and found none.
Alaire tipped her head to the side, curiosity edging her voice. “You’re not what I expected either, Dawson Knox.”
“Surprised isn’t the same as impressed,” Dawson pointed out, though his scowl softened.
