“Because you’re not used to being wanted,” he says with a shrug. “That doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”
“But itfeelswrong,” I whisper. “I’m doing something I don’t know how to do.”
Noah leans back, his arms crossed, studying me like I’m a particularly complex puzzle he’s determined to solve. “You don’t know how to be wanted without a price attached.”
That strikes a little too close to home.
“Don’t analyze me,” I grumble, eyes back on my tray.
He smiles, but it’s not mocking. It’s warm. “I’m not. I’m just telling you the truth.”
A pause. Then, casually, “This is dating, Isobel.”
“Huh?”
“This. Awkward meals. Mixed signals. Unspoken tension. Questioning if you’re allowed to like more than one person. Trying to figure out if your ribs hurt because someone punched you during training or because someone kissed you too well the night before.” He smirks. “Dating.”
I let out a shaky breath, unsure if I want to laugh or hide under the table.
“I don’t think I’m cut out for it.”
“You are,” he says, softer now. “You just haven’t figured outhowyet. But you will.”
He picks up his juice carton, pops the straw, and takes a slow sip like he didn’t just drop a truth bomb and leave it smoldering on the table between us.
From across the dining hall, Tex’s stare is like a brand on the side of my face. And I don’t even need to look to know Jace is watching too.
Too much attention. Too many possibilities. Too many ways to burn.
I regret turningdown the deserted hallway when I see Jace, leaning against the wall.
Fuck.Can’t turn back around now.
I roll my shoulders.
“Surprised to find you alone,” Jace says.
I sigh. I know I shouldn’t respond, but I take the bait anyways. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Thought you’d be soaking up the attention from your little fan club.”
“I don’t have a fan club.” I roll my eyes. “If anything, it’s a smear campaign. You’ve had most people at the school teasing me for weeks.”
“Okay then.” He pushes off the wall, his hands in his pockets. “Your reverse harem.”
He circles me, his finger brushing one of my curls off my shoulder. I suppress a shiver.
“I’ve been told it’s called dating.” I’m proud that my voice comes out even.
“You could call it that.” He shrugs, his heat surrounding me.
Why does this asshole seem to have some sort of effect on me?
“I think you just like spreading your legs for anyone who gives you attention.”
That snaps me right out of it.
I glare at him. “I haven’t spread my legs for anyone. Not that it’s any of your business.”
