Unheard of affinities seemed to be right up our alley.
“So how do the shadows listen to you?” I asked Rafe, his dark clothing in stark contrast to the bright sand. “Because the zappies aren’t listening to me at all.”
“Zappies?” Rafe arched a dark eyebrow, and I swear I almost blushed.
“I thought we were calling themthe zaps,” Skye called out. She’d sat down on one of the picnic tables, fussing at her braid.
“That’s also cool,” I grumbled. Rafe chuckled.
“First thing’s first,” he said, taking up a position next to me. “The shadows do what they want.”
“Seriously?” My jaw dropped. “You don’t command them at all?”
“I didn’t saythat.” Rafe scoffed, seeming a little offended. “Idocommand them, but theychooseto listen to me.” Then he muttered, “Most of the time.”
I blinked at him. Skye giggled from the sidelines.
“I suspect Skye’s affinity is the same,” Rafe said, his dark eyes darting toward her.
Skye pursed her lips. It was my turn to snicker. Skye liked teasing us, but she really didn’t like being teased back. It was adorable.
“And that’s why I suspect the zaps will be the same, too.” Rafe went on. I frowned. I really preferred zappies. “You need to identify where they come from inside you.”
“My arms,” I said immediately. “It rolls down my arms. Like static. I’ve always felt it, actually, I just didn’t understand what it was.”
“Good,” Rafe replied. “Does it go any deeper? In the chest maybe?”
“No,” I answered.
Rafe sighed. “You didn’t even think about my question.”
“I did, too!” I snapped. “I don’t feel it there!”
“Don’t be upset, angel, he’s just trying to help you.” Skye called out.
My shoulders dropped instantly just at the sound of her voice.
“Sorry,” I muttered.
Rafe grinned as I turned away, reaching for my water bottle. “Does she always make you this agreeable?”
I rubbed the back of my neck before taking a sip. “I’m always agreeable with Skye.”
“Always?” he hedged.
I lifted my head slowly, catching his gaze. His eyes glimmered with amusement and…something else I didn’t know what to think of.
“Always,” I replied, my throat impossibly dry even though I’d just taken a sip of water. “Is that not the case for you?”
“It is,” Rafe said slowly. “I’d do pretty much anything she asked. You, too, for that matter.”
I choked on my water.
Me too?What thefuckdid that mean? Anything I asked? Why the fuck was he looking at me like that?
Rafe’s eyes moved over me assessingly, and I found myself holding back a shiver of awareness.
“It’s a shame she didn’t invite me back after our little dance party,” Rafe said, his voice lowered slightly.
