Page 64 of The Lord of Whispers

“I’m good if you are. We have some off-campus celebrating to do anyway,” Luke said, turning toward me. “All of this wedding talk is taking away from the real cause for celebration today,” Luke continued.

“Luke, I hardly think me passing a test is bigger news than the fact that the King of Valencia got engaged.”

The night was consumed with toasts to the King and his soon-to-be queen, Gloria, after the announcement was finally made regarding their engagement. It would take years to plan a royal wedding, but everyone was excited, nonetheless. I wondered where Jay was and why he wasn’t next to his best friend celebrating his engagement… or the fact that I’d passed my written liaison exam earlier that day as well.

“But yeah, let’s go,” I agreed, brushing aside the guilt that rose in me as I internally acknowledged that I was delaying going home to Jay yet again.

As we walked into town, I thought, not for the first time, about the overpowering effect Rhett still seemed to have on women despite his allegedly fading powers.

“Rhett, try not to take this the wrong way, but I’m not seeing it,” I said.

He looked at me, his eyebrows raised questioningly.

“Yes, you are incredibly good looking,” I admitted matter-of-factly.

Rhett turned to Luke, looking pleased with himself.

“But I don’t turn into the giggling mess that other women seem to turn into around you,” I said.

“Well, Al, there are a couple of possible reasons for that. First of all, it could be that you are just blind. Quick, how many fingers am I holding up?” Rhett teased.

“Just one, right?” I retorted, making a vulgar gesture at him.

We all laughed.

“Seriously, Rhett, why?” I asked.

The amused smile on Rhett’s face made him look even more charming.

Luke cut in. “It’s mostly because of me, Al. I shield you with my magic any time you’re around Rhett,” he admitted.

I looked at Luke, considering whether to get pissed about this uninvited bit of protectiveness. I decided to let it slide.

“But what about when you’re not around?” I questioned.

Ninety-nine percent of the time when I was with Rhett, Luke was there as well. But I’d been around Rhett a time or two without Luke.

“I’m always extra careful when I’m around you, Al.Especiallyif we’re alone. When I’m around you, I keep my power on a tight leash,” Rhett explained.

“Why?” I asked.

“Bro code, baby,” Rhett replied, nodding his head toward Luke.

I looked at Rhett, waiting for a further explanation.

“Luke called dibs first,” Rhett said in reply to my questioning glare.

Luke gave me a mischievous smile.

“You calleddibs?” I asked incredulously.

“Almost immediately,” he responded unashamedly.

“You know, before I knew…” he trailed off.

I knew he meant before he knew about me and Jay.

“Anyway, do you have any idea what it’s like trying to get a date standing next to this guy?” Luke joked.

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