“Next time,” he agrees. “See you soon, Summer. Watch out for the worms on the pavement.”
His words chill me. I head to the window and watch him leave, striding down the sidewalk until he’s out of sight. The knot in my chest loosens. Looking down, there are worms up and down the street, wiggling out of the soil.
“He’s a nice guy. I think he likes you,” Dad says.
I cross my arms. “I don’t think so.”
“I’ll invite him over for dinner again.”
“Please don’t.” I sigh and head behind the counter. “He makes me nervous.”
“Nervous? That’s a good thing.” Taylor laughs, and I frown. “He’s a good-looking fella, and he’d give any girl butterflies.”
They clearly don’t understand, and I don’t have it in me to explain—especially when they saved me. I’m glad they’re here. I’m glad they sent Adrien away.
I pepper them with more questions, enflaming their usual arguments to keep them here as long as I’m able. After thirty minutes, it’s clear Taylor has to return to work—he’s inching toward the exit. “I’ve got appointments.”
“Summer, you should close the shop early,” Dad suggests.
“Mmhmm, maybe.” I don’t dare tell him I’m considering staying late.
Despite not wanting to be alone, I do feel better when they depart, taking their arguments with them.
In their absence, the museum hushes into chilly silence, draping me in a veil of apprehension. I lock the door and switch the sign toClosed. Turning around, I face Zuriel.
I slowly switch off the lights and head to the counter, keeping my gaze on him all the while, wondering how much he hears when he’s completely stone.
I sit on the floor by his claw-tipped toes and wide-spread legs.
I curl my arms around my knees and wait.
Chapter11
Jealousy and Desire
Zuriel
I strainagainst my stone enclosure.
I am useless when the sun is out, and it is maddening.
Even trapped in this cursed form, my consciousness sharpens, and nothing penetrates my unyielding skin like Summer. I seek her voice, listening while her questions grow increasingly frustrated throughout the day.
She should not have touched me, for I am all too aware of my newest appendage, my thoughts drifting, wondering what her body can do to it.
She has given me a new curse. A cock. It does not feel like an appendage that can be sated. It feels everlasting, like the bond we now share, a bond I am becoming desperate to complete.
It is dangerous, this thing between us. It makes me vulnerable.
I ought to destroy it.
Because all these wanting sensations erupted when her caress was followed by a new heat—she blazed with hunger, compulsion, andneed.The secret of my name binds our reactions together.
My want feeds her want.
Then Adrial neared.
Summer’s emotions turned stormy, fueling my own.
