Page 284 of Midnights
The realization settles like a weight in my chest as the lights in the room start to flicker. Is that me too?
I suck in a slow breath, trying to calm down, but my body isn't listening. My pulse only kicks harder, but I need to get a grip. I can't do this right now.
When I finally step out of my room, Elle's leaning in close to Kody, who's laughing at whatever she just said. I didn't realize we were hosting comedy hour, but apparently I missed the invite.
“Night.” She gives him a casual wave before turning on her heel and falling into step beside me.
The dining hall is warm and smells like heaven. My stomach growls in agreement. Cam's at the far end, buried in a book like the world might end if he looks away. He doesn't notice me until I'm practically breathing down his neck.
“Raven, there yo—”
He stops mid-sentence, as his nose twitches.
Oh, for the love of—
I groan internally, already regretting leaving my room.Is this what my life is now? Everyone just sniffing me like some kind of scented candle?
“What is that smell?”
And because the universe loves to make me suffer, Elle starts cackling.
“That’s what I said!” She chimes in, way too pleased with herself. “Trust me, her room isn't winning any awards either.”
She raises both hands while I pin her with a glare. “What? Just saying.”
I swear to all the Gods, I'm going to kill her. I roll my eyes and fold my arms. “Relax. I don’t smell that bad. And if I do, it's probably some twisted magical side effect. Or, you know, the wrong soap. Whatever.”
For a second, I catch something dark in his eyes. Then it's gone, so fast I almost wonder if I'm losing it. Which is a really big possibility right now.
“Well, don't use that soap again.”
His eyes go straight to Elle and I know something unspoken passes between them. I’d bet my life on it.
I lift my shirt and inhale, waiting for some horrific stench. All I get is the lavender haze oil I dumped in the tub. Figures.
Elle chuckles, nudging me lightly with her elbow. “Could be worse, right?”
I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head. “Oh yeah, because smelling like an air freshener is all the rage.”
I focus on my food, chewing in silence while my brain spins. Whatever's passing between them, it's staying locked in their heads.
Cam sips his drink, pretending to be absorbed in his book, but I can feel his eyes on me every time he sneaks a glance at Elle. I try to act like I don't see it, but I do.
Finally, he breaks the silence.
“I don’t want to sound like I'm kicking you out—” He sets his glass down. “You’re welcome to come back right after, if you’d like. But if we’re going to get you home without anyone noticing…”
I don't know why, but my stomach twists with that slow, creeping kind of dread. And suddenly, food's the last thing I want.
“I was going to talk to you about it this afternoon, until…”
I set my fork down, leaning back in my chair. I'll just save him the trouble. “Honestly? I was thinking the same thing.” My fingers drum lightly against the table before I look up at him. “Are you coming back, too?”
“Yeah.” A glimmer of amusement flashes across his face as he smiles. “I planned on coming back the night I ran into you, actually.”
It's insane how that already feels like another lifetime. Weeks, and I've lived a whole different life. But he's right. I should go back. Even if it's just to fuck Kane out of my bloodstream.
“When can I come back?” I try to sound casual, but my eagerness seeps through anyway.
