We stare each other down for a long moment. She's enjoying this. The little psycho is actually enjoying torturing me.
"Give it back," I grit out through my teeth, holding my hand out."Now."
"I would," she says, settling back against the pillows, "but I genuinely don't know where it is."
The lie is so blatant I almost laugh. Almost. "You're a terrible liar."
"Am I?" She tilts her head, studying me. "Or am I just choosing not to tell you the truth? There's a difference."
Touché, you manipulative little imp.
"Fine," I snap, crossing my arms. "What do you want?"
Her smile turns wicked. "I'll tell you where it is. But you have to play a game first."
"A game." I repeat the words flatly, already regretting this entire conversation.
"Mmhm." She nods, looking far too pleased with herself. "I'll tell you if you're getting warmer or colder as you look for it."
I stare at her, trying to decide if she's serious. The expression on her face says she absolutely is.
This is insane. A complete waste of time when we've got an exam to get to, when there are about a thousand more important things we should be doing.
But she's looking at me with those violet eyes, and there's something in them I haven't seen before. Something light.
Like she's actually havingfun.
Not performing, not surviving, not fighting. Just... enjoying herself.
I sigh.
"You're enjoying this," I accuse.
"Immensely," she confirms, not even trying to hide it.
I sigh loudly. "Fine. But when I find it, there are going to be consequences."
"Ooh," she purrs, wiggling slightly. "I'mterrified."
Fuck it.
I start with the obvious places. The nightstand. "Warmer or colder?"
"Cold," she says, examining her nails again.
The dresser. "Now?"
"Freezing."
I check the bathroom, the closet, under the bed. Each time, she declares me colder, her amusement growing with every failed attempt.
"This is fucking ridiculous," I mutter, dragging a hand through my hair as I survey the room.
"You're the one who agreed to play," she points out.
Fair enough.
I move back toward the center of the room, and she perks up slightly. "Warmer."
