Page 89 of Lucifer's Mirror

Then she goes still.

And pushes me away.

For a second, my hands tighten; then I relax my grip and let her go.

She rolls to her feet and stands staring down at me, hands on her hips, a pissed-off expression on her face.

What the fuck have I done now?

“So, let me get this straight,” she says. “You think that because I kissed Zayne, I owe you a kiss?”

I keep quiet. I suspect it’s the best strategy right now.

She snorts. “If you ever come up with a better reason to kiss me than the fact that somebody else just did—let me know. Until then, keep your paws to yourself.”

And without another word, she turns and stalks away.

Chapter 42

I Learn How to Fight Dirty

AndI’mbackdown!

I did it. Made it to the top and back.

I turn to grin at Hecate and freeze in place. Khaosti is standing beside her. What’s he doing here? It’s fair to say that since the night Zayne shifted two days ago, we’ve done a fabulous job of avoiding one another. I know he’s been working with Zayne to help him get total control of his basilisk, but I haven’t been going to the training sessions. Right now, I don’t need complications. I have to concentrate on getting my memory back.

So far, it’s not happening.

The only time we see each other is at dinner each night, where he’s quiet and watchful… as if he’s trying to absorb as much information as possible. But then what? I’m very aware of what Zayne said about me looking at Khaosti, so I’ve been trying not to. Which is harder than you would think. My gaze is drawn to him whenever he’s in the same room.

Only last night, Zayne caught me staring and sniggered.

It’s not my fault; Khaosti is freaking gorgeous. And that’s all it is—physical attraction. And I’m a goddamned liar. The truth is that from the first moment I crashed into him, I’ve been drawn to Khaos. Bad idea. What had he said? A monumental mistake?

So the absolute last thing I’m going to do is act happy to see him. Just in case he thinks I’ve got a thumping great crush on him and that I’m not glad I managed to walk away the other night. God, it was hard. And it wasn’t the only hard thing that night. Khaos wanted me. That was probably why I got scared and backed off. Things moved way too fast.

“Is there something you need?” I ask. “Is Zayne okay?”

“Your boyfriend is fine.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I snap. “What are you doing here? We’re busy.”

“I asked him,” Hecate murmurs. “He’s agreed to teach you hand-to-hand combat. And give you some real sword practice.”

My mind goes blank and then starts racing. Hand to hand? Like touching? With Khaosti? I think we’ve already both decided that would not be a good ideaat all. Just the thought is making me break out in a sweat. I’ve been doing my very best to pretty much ignore him, and now Hecate is suggesting we… what? Beat each other up. Though I suspect there wouldn’t be much beating involved on my side. He’s like a foot taller than me and probably a foot wider.

“Couldn’t you teach me?” I ask Hecate, my voice more than a little whiny.

“Scared?” Khaosti murmurs.

“Hah. Of you?” I sniff. “Never.”Liar, liar…

“I’m too old,” Hecate says, and I can hear the amusement in her voice, because she doesn’t look old at all anymore.

But why is she pushing us together now? From the first, she’s treated Khaosti with scorn. Now he’s supposed to be my sparring partner? And we’ll get all hot and sweaty and roll around on the ground and—

“I’ll leave you two to get to work,” Hecate says. “I have things to see to.”