Page 53 of Wicked Ends

The walk back is quiet but comfortable.

We’re halfway across the main quad when something cold and wet smacks the back of my head.

“What the—” I whirl around to find Soren leaning casually against a tree, another snowball already formed in his gloved hand.

“Look who’s back from their little romantic morning,” he calls, his grin wicked.

I narrow my eyes. “You were spying on us?”

“Please.” Soren tosses the snowball up and catches it. “Like I’d waste my morning watching you two make heart eyes at each other.” He pauses. “Though I did enjoy the part where you almost face-planted.”

I bend down, scooping up a handful of snow. “You are so dead.”

Drake chuckles beside me. “I’ll leave you two to your battle.” His eyes meet mine, and I understand. Even with the improved anchoring, he needs to conserve his energy.

“I’ll see you later?”

He nods, then leans in to press a kiss to my cheek. “Kick his ass,” he says before walking away.

I turn back to Soren, who’s watching with an amused expression.

“Just you and me now, little witch,” he says, tossing the snowball between his hands.

“Bring it, professor.”

Twenty-Six

Rose

The snowball fight that follows is vicious and glorious. Soren’s unnaturally good at it, considering his origins, probably using his incubus reflexes to dodge my attacks, but I get in a few good hits. One splats right across his face, and the shocked look he gives me is worth the retaliation that follows.

He tackles me into a snowdrift, pinning me down as I shriek with laughter. Snow goes down the back of my coat, but I don’t even care.

“Give up?” Soren asks, looming over me.

“Never.” I grab a handful of snow and shove it down the front of his shirt.

He yelps, jumping back. “You little witch!”

I take advantage of his distraction to scramble away, running for the nearest tree. But Soren’s faster, cutting me off before I can reach it. He backs me against the trunk, one arm on either side of my head.

“Nowhere to run,” he says in that way always makes my belly flutter.

I’m breathing hard, my heart drumming in my chest. “Who says I want to run?”

He smiles. “Dangerous game, Rose.”

“I like dangerous.” I reach up, brushing snow from his shoulder. “Especially when it’s you.”

Soren leans in slowly, then his lips meet mine, warmer than they should be considering the snowballs he took to the face. The kiss is deep and thorough, his body pressing mine against the tree.

“You’re freezing,” he murmurs against my mouth.

“Warm me up, then.”

He laughs. “Your wish is my command.”

His hands slide under my coat, finding the bare skin at my waist. I gasp at the contrast between his warm fingers and the cold air.