Page 39

THIRTY-EIGHT

IMOGEN

The week passes in a flash. What with college classes, prom preparation and the relentless parties the guys throw most nights, it passes in a blur.

I haven’t seen Drake since our magical day, except in the distance.

I try so hard to ignore him and to not give anything away that may arouse suspicion, but it’s hard not to stare.

He is incredibly gorgeous, both naked and dressed casually, but in smart trousers and a shirt he is freaking dynamite.

The mood is high as the students prepare for prom night and as we cram into Summer’s room to get ready, the wine is flowing as freely as our mouths.

“So, Summer.” Siri raises a glass to her friend. “Tell us about Luca and that amazing house of his.”

Luca has a mansion near to the academy and we have never been there. It’s where he takes Summer when they want to be alone and he won’t invite anyone else inside, much to the guy’s displeasure.

Summer grins. “We’re heading there the day after prom to recover. You know, he has this amazing natural swimming pool that appears to be carved out of the rocks and is lit up at night. He even has a freaking waterfall and we adore skinny dipping on a hot day.”

“You are so lucky.” Cassie groans. “Frankie’s idea of a night in involves tying me to his bed and doing what the hell he wants to me. I’m not complaining, though.”

“He ties you up?” My eyes widen and Summer tosses her eyes.

“Ugh, spare me the gruesome details, but it doesn’t surprise me. Frankie is a weird fucker who gets off on the strangest things.”

Siri shrugs. “Well, Jack is a rough gentleman. He is so sweet, kind and considerate and so hot in bed I’m surprised we don’t scorch the sheets.”

It’s a little uncomfortable hearing her description of Jack because he’s like a brother to me and imagining him, well, in that way, isn’t an image I’m comfortable with.

Cassie catches my eye and I note her sad expression and my heart catches a little.

Cassie is like me and Jack. We are pure bred Reaper and Siri’s description matches Drake.

Cassie, it seems, gave her virginity to Jack and will be only too aware of what he’s like.

It must be bittersweet, especially as Frankie is a different kind of sex animal.

I’m guessing that’s the attraction because Cassie always was a wild spirit.

Frankie may be her type, but I can’t help manifesting Cassie and Jack together and I’m still secretly holding onto that hope.

We drink wine and chat shit while we apply our theatrical make-up. Gold eyeshadow, bright blue glitter and dark eyeliner is a far cry away from our usual look.

Cassie is sitting beside me as we share a minute and whispers, “Summer looks amazing. Her make-up is almost professional.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Cass.”

I admire her handiwork and she smiles. “It is kind of fun. I can’t wait to see the guys in their costumes.”

“Where are we meeting them again?”

I’m aware that Frankie—as always—has devised a little game for this evening to ramp up the thrill.

We are all making our way to prom alone.

When we arrive, it’s up to us to identify our partner and when we think we are right, we are to kiss them on the cheek and if they are our guy, they will take our hand and kiss the back of it.

Cassie replies, “In the hallway set before The Great Hall. It’s where the staff and volunteers will dish out the punch.”

“I wonder if we will guess correctly?”

Cassie’s eyes gleam. “It would be amusing to kiss someone else and wait for the fireworks. Frankie never thought this through because I may do it for the hell of it.”

“You always did like living dangerously, Cassie.”

I roll my eyes as she grins. “Is there any other way?”

Summer overheard us. “I’d know Luca from a mile away. It’s as if a dark aura surrounds him on a permanent basis.”

I kind of agree with her. Luca stands out from most of the guys because he refuses to tone down his dark, demonic appearance.

He prefers black leather to sweats and torn black jeans to blue denim.

His silver chains and leather bracelets are a dead giveaway, along with his dark flashing eyes.

He commands attention wherever he goes and with Summer beside him, they make a striking couple who turn many heads.

Summer has the easy option tonight, and she knows it.

“I can’t wait.” Siri giggles. “I love a challenge, and Jack has promised not to make it easy for me.”

She grins. “Wouldn’t it be funny if I kissed Jesse, and you kissed Jack?”

“Knowing my luck, I’d end up kissing Santi and then God help me.”

I roll my eyes and Cassie adds, “He would love that. That guy is pissed he never got a crack at you before Jesse stepped in. I’m convinced he would join The Claiming challenge if you were in it.

“Nonsense.” I shake my head, the conversation I shared with Santi not long ago still fresh in my mind. There is only one guy I’m interested in and I am sure he will be one of the staff volunteers and out of everyone, I wish I could kiss him on the cheek and be done with it all.

We all drift to our subsequent rooms to change and as I appreciate a moment alone, I wander to the window and glance down at the yard outside. The calm before the storm. It certainly feels that way and a gentle knock on my door causes me to turn and say hesitantly, “Who is it?”

I receive no answer and I move to the door, opening it with caution.

There is nobody there, but as I glance down, I notice the box propped up on the wall beside the door.

I drop down and lift it into my hands and head back into the room, placing it carefully on the table. My fingers shake as I open it and I smile when I see the delicate corsage made out of pretty white roses and eucalyptus leaves.

There is a card inside the box nestling against the white ribbon and as I read it, my heart flutters.

For the most beautiful girl at the prom tonight. I may not be your date, but I’ll be close by. Wear this and know I am watching you.

It’s so beautiful and just like Drake to make such a sweet gesture. As I fasten it to my wrist, I lift my arm and take a deep breath of the heady scent. It’s so beautiful and I can’t get enough of it and I expect it’s because I am madly in love with the person who sent it to me.

As I spray some scent and tuck my phone into the small white bag attached to my wrist and the corsage on the other, a flutter of excitement passes through me as I anticipate the night ahead.

More than anything, I want to steal some time with Drake, but I’m aware we have a mountain to climb before that will come as easy as breathing.

For now I will have him close in another way and what with the corsage on my wrist and the love burning brightly in my heart, I’m certain I’m invincible.