My breathing catches. My heart, too. All of my organ’s functions become suspended as Slate’s confession trickles through me. And then everything starts up at the same time, and my heart detonates, and I wheeze, and then once I’m done making strangled sounds, my jaw loosens and my lips part.
“Me?” It comes out as a squeak. “But you said it was—that she wasn’t from—that . . .”
I’m flooded with memories of how strange he acted the first time he looked into the well, and how angry he got when Adrien mentioned it resembled someone we had strong feelings for.
I smack his chest.
“Ouch. What was that for?” Slate rubs his pecs dramatically. I really didn’t hit him that hard.
“That was for making me jealous.”
“How is thatmyfault?”
“You lied about who you saw in there.”
“Well of course, I lied. I barely know you, Cadence. If I’d admitted it, you would’ve freaked.”
Totally. “Want to know what freaks me out even more, though?”
“Do tell, what freaks you out more than my heartfelt confession?”
“How jealous I was of the siren and then of Jasmine.”
“Who’s Jasmine?”
Is he serious? He looks serious. “The girl who was all over you when I was showing you around the campus.”
He’s still rubbing his chest. “Oh. Her. I don’t even remember whether she was a blonde or brunette.”
Did I hit one of his bruises? Shoot, I probably did. “Did I hurt you?”
A lopsided grin takes over. “Very much. I think I might need some medical attention, doctor.”
I’m torn between the desire to strangle him and kiss him. “We should go. Adrien’s waiting.”
“He’s fine.” He finally stops rubbing his chest. “He can wait.” He lays his hand on my jaw, tilts it up.
My heartbeats are so loud and close together that they’re probably making all six layers of my clothing vibrate.
The tip of his nose touches the tip of mine, and his breath warms my parted lips. The only boy I’ve ever kissed is Romain, and those kisses were always friendly and sweet. I don’t think kissing Slate will be friendly or sweet. I lick my lips in anticipation.
“Can’t wait for our date.” He pulls back, releases my head but finds my hand in the folds of his coat, and tows me downstairs.
Yep.I’m going to strangle him.
Probably while kissing him.
29
Slate
Keep it in check, dude. Keep it in check. I’m battling with myself. I want nothing more than to taste Cadence, tangle my fingers in her hair, and kiss her until she moans. But I don’t. Why?
Because I’m a gentleman.
Or a masochist.
One of the two.
