Page 24 of Fake Fae-Ancée

"Really, McKenn?"

"Fifty-one…" She crossed her arms in front of her chest. I somehow managed to choke down the groan rising up.

"Okay, okay, I'll talk."

Kai raised an eyebrow like she was expecting nothing but bullshit from me. And I couldn't even blame her. The way things had gone, I would expect nothing but bullshit from me, too.

I raked a hand through my hair.

I drew in a deep breath and let it out.

"There's a killer after you."

She stared at me like I’d just told her I had joined a cult.

"A killer," she repeated.

"Exactly," I said, holding her glare. "You were attacked, last night."

"And you just happened to be there as well," she said.

"That’s right."

"And you saved me."

"Damn straight."

"My noble prince." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Yes, I, your noble prince, saved your pretty little ass from getting sliced open!"

Despite myself I raised my voice. Kai just gave a snorting laugh. Obviously, I had just told her the most hilarious joke in the universe.

"Yeah, right," she said. "Seriously, Kalinin. What's going on?"

"That is what’s going on," I growled, even louder now. "There’s a real killer after you who wants you dead. And last night I was just able to keep him from finishing the job."

My words didn’t have the desired effect. Kai scoffed.

"Really, this is the stupidest story you've ever come up with."

"Oh, yeah? Why did you lose your precious powers then?" I sneered.

That at least drove the color from her face. I almost felt sorry for her.

She held my gaze for another beat and then gave a shrug.

"Whatever, time's up," she said, reaching for the door.

"What? No, come on!"

"Leave me alone!"

"Oh no, no fucking way." Before she could turn the handle, I leaned against the door, pressing it shut, shamelessly taking advantage of my massive frame. Kai aimed her laser gaze at me.

"Let me go!"

"Listen to me!"

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