Page 128 of Fractured Fates

My gaze travels over her face down her throat to her cleavage. A gaze that’s fiercely hot.

Is this all this is? Lust? Do I want it simply because it hasn’t been offered up to me on a plate?

If I had her, would this all stop?

She still hasn’t pushed me away, hasn’t zapped me with that magic of hers.

“You’re seriously fucked up,” she says. Yeah, she doesn’t know the half of it. Doesn’t know just how fucked up I am.

I jerk my hand away.

“You really are as frigid as they say you are.”

“Just because I don’t want to kiss you.”

I manage a smile. “Because you do want me to kiss you, but you won’t admit it to yourself.” I take a step away. “Well don’t worry, your precious virginal reputation is not in danger. Not from me anyway.”

I shove my earbuds back in my ears so I don’t have to hear whatever snarky retort is coming my way. Then I turn and start running.

All that peace has gone. My insides scream as loudly as they’ve ever done and it’s only a matter of time. Only a matter of time.

36

Rhi

I watchthe academy’s dueling hero’s retreating back. Is this what men are like? Confusing? Fickle? Fucked up?

One minute ignoring you, the next hating on you, and then finally trying to kiss you.

I touch my lips.

No wonder my aunt wanted to keep away from them. They are all insane. Even the man in black. Taking me to heaven, making me feel things, then disappearing into thin air. I haven’t heard a peep out of him since.

Is it all just a game to them? It must be with Spencer because he hates me, really hates me. The dude can barely look at me without hatred spitting out of his eyes. And yet that kiss didn’t feel like he hated me.

Shit, it felt intoxicating. It certainly felt way too good, something I should dismiss from my mind, not be reliving. Not be reliving in a way that has my body stirring.

I walk through the entrance of the dorm building and arrive at our room.

Immediately an unease rattles through my bones, any other sensations darting away.

The door hangs open, the room beyond dark.

“Winnie,” I say, lifting my hand in defense.

There’s no reply.

I step forward, nudging the door open with my foot.

“Who’s there?”

Nothing.

I snap my fingers, flicking on the light.

I scream.

Something is pinned to the side of my bed.