Zander props a shoulder against the stacks and crosses a foot over his ankle. Mr. Calm, Cool, and Collected. But he’s buzzed and seething underneath that composed exterior. “So I hear you’re a witch.”
I shake my head.
“Been doing a little sorcery?” He sneers and wiggles his fingers like he’s sprinkling fairy dust.
I’m still shaking my head.
His mocking expression melts into a look of pity. “What have you gotten yourself into?”
I straighten my back and glare up at him. “What I do is none of your business.”
Thumping a fist on his chest, he growls, “You’ll always be my business. I thought you would’ve come to your senses by now.”
“I have come to my senses.”I got rid of you.
“Betts, come on.” He gives me a patronizing smile. “Hanging out with goths? Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously.”
“Please. None of that shit is you.”
“You have no clue what’s really me.”
Frustration carves deep lines in his forehead. He grabs my chin. “You’re not psychic.”
A fresh wave of rage hits my back and I know it’s coming from Leo. He’s still here and he’s listening to every word.
I smack Zander’s hand away. “Can you please just go?”
“Not until you hear me out.”
“Not interested.”
He leans in, voice low and threatening. “Am I gonna have to make a scene?”
Fine. If listening will get him out of here, I’ll do it. I fold my arms. “Whatever. Say your piece.”
He snatches my arm and tugs me even closer. “He’s not who you think he is.”
My pulse races as I try to wrest free. He won’t let me go.
Close behind me, a deep voice commands, “Get off her.”
How did Leo sneak up on us like that?
Zander’s eyes cut over my head, shooting arrows of pure hate. “Fuck off.”
“You’re hurting her.”
“I’mhurting her?” Zander yanks me aside, determined to get to Leo.
But Leo gets to him first. As I stumble into the seventeenth century shelves, he seizes Zander by the jacket and pins him to the sixteenth century stack. The whole structure shudders. “If you have a problem with me, talk to me. Leave her out of it.”
As they stand face to face, I see how much bigger Leo is than Zander. If Zander had any sense, he’d walk away. Leo may be quiet and bookish, but he’s strong. And he’s pissed off.
But stupid, drunk Zander argues back, “You gonna tell her, or do I have to?”
“Tell me what?” I snap impatiently at Zander. I’ve had enough of the drama. “Just come out with it and get the hell out of here.”
