I look at her for a moment, in her beautiful, vulnerable innocence, then shift my focus to the floor. “I should go. Check on everyone.”
She nods without speaking.
I open my mouth to say more, but nothing comes out. So I turn and duck out of the room, nearly colliding head-first with Serena in the process.
“Hi,” she breathes, startled. Her head tilts to the side as her lavender stare strips me down to the bone.
“What are you doing out here?” I snap, not intending to sound so defensive.
“Mar said you were back, I came looking for you.”
“You shouldn’t be out here. Someone might see you.”
“Why is your face all red?”
I shrug.
“Were you just…” She motions to the door before lifting her brows. “Wow. Okay. Good for you.”
She turns on her heel and starts the other way. I catch up to her with little effort.
“Oh, just say it,” I mutter under my breath.
“Say what?” Her focus is set straight ahead, her lips pressing together like they do when she’s withholding a big, fat opinion.
“Whatever it is you’re thinking.”
“Nothing,” she says nonchalantly, lifting one shoulder. “I just didn’t know you were into prostitutes.”
“She’s not a prostitute, she’s a courtesan. And a good person,” I counter. “She helped us get you out.”
“I’m sure she is. I guess I’m just surprised.”
“Careful. You almost sound jealous.” My voice contains a sliver of bitterness as she matches my stride.
Her eyes roll. “Not this again. I told you in the past and I’ll tell you now. I’m not jealous and I don’t care who you fuck.”
Smirking, I lean toward her ear. “Say that with your fingers uncrossed next time.”
Her mouth pops open in surprise as she skids to a stop. “Oh, grow up.”
“Live another two hundred years, andthentell me to grow up.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“And you’re a terrible liar.”
“Not lying. God, you are so?—”
I turn to face her head-on. “What, hmm? What am I?”
“Annoying.”
“I’mannoying?” I bark a laugh as she nods.
“Yes! It’s like if you’re not getting enough attention, you have to run off and have sex with the first female you see. Not to mention, your timing could not be more inappropriate. Can you ever just keep it in your pants?”
“Do you ever stop to ask yourself why what I do bothers you so much? Why you get all weird after you find out I’ve gotten off with someone?”
