Page 88 of Ghost

“I was practicing a spell,” Miles answered without pause, stepping between me and Bryce. “I forgot that you were nearby. You can go back to preparing for tomorrow’s lesson.”

Bryce sighed. “What did she do?”

I gasped, offended, but Bryce ignored me as he continued talking to Miles. “There’s no way thatyouwould seek out a spirit. And Dungworth is, apparently, gone. Brayden has been too busy to come here yet. That leaves only her.”

Miles stiffened. “Why can’t you ask her yourself? She’s right here.”

“I would,” Bryce sounded sad. “But it appears as though she doesn’t like me. She might bite my head off.”

“That will make things difficult, don’t you think?” Miles retorted. “You should be nicer to her, and stop being passive aggressive. Besides, she doesn’t bite.”

I glared at Miles’ back.What was he talking about? And who was he to tell Bryce I wouldn’t bite him? If the situation called for it, I totally would.

“At leasttryto bond with her.” Miles sounded exasperated. “She’s a kind and timid person. There’s no way she’d challenge you, I think you’re being dramatic.”

My pulse raced. Try tobondwith him?Why was it so important Bryce and I get along? They better not be trying to set me up with him. I would kill them all.

“Aren’t you being chatty today?” Bryce sounded smug, something in his voice poking at my chest.

A flush began to creep over Miles’ neck, and my temper flared to life. Bryce was making fun of Miles, infront of me? I would murder him right now.

“If you want to talk to me, than talk to me.” I stepped out, pointing at Bryce dramatically. “Otherwise you can leave.”

“So angry.” Bryce stepped back, raising an eyebrow. “What did I ever do to you?”

Couldn’t he feel our rivalry? The same call from deep within?

No, he had to know.I wouldn’t fall for his lies. He was a sneaky man. Smirking at me in class when he thought I wasn’t watching. Wanting to hit me with a ruler. He was undermining me, trying to take my place in the natural order of life.

But how to word my feelings in a way that made sense? I had no idea.

I pursed my lips, glaring at him. From his shiny shoes to his gelled hair. As I did, his eyes mocked me. Challenging me even now.

My hackles rose at the look. I refused to let him win.

Finally, I decided to keep my explanation simple. “You’re a douche canoe.”

Bryce gasped, staggering sideways as if my words wounded him. But I ignored him, turning to Miles instead.

“Don’t let him make fun of you.” I brushed at that naked skin of his arm. The man was so frozen he had goosebumps. “He’s nothing, and his words are nothing. You’re perfect the way you are.”

“Why are you mothering him?” Bryce protested somewhere in the distance. “I’m against this, it’s not natural!” he whined. “But if you want, I’ll give you a peace offering—there’s a pop quiz tomorrow.”

I scoffed—what a liar. “Whatever.”

Miles smiled at me, a proud gleam in his eyes. “I don’t think that Xavier stands a chance in hell against her.” He glanced toward Bryce. “You and Brayden might even come across some problems.”

“Doubtful,” was Bryce’s dry reply. “But don’t let Xavier hear you say that.”

I didn’t know what Miles was talking about, but if it meant beating Bryce… I couldn’t lose. But before any of that, I had to prevent Miles from freezing to death.

“Here.” I peeled off my sweater and flung it against Miles’ chest. “Wrap it around your neck.” It was somewhat inconvenient, but proprieties be darned. Bryce didn’t matter, and Miles had already seen me in less.

The silence that followed was deafening. And when Miles didn’t immediately move to warm himself with my offering, I met his gaze. “What are you—”

Miles’ eyes practically bugged out of his head. “What…”

Unfortunately, I didn’t have long to ponder his strange reaction.