“Not me,” Kal said, trying to keep the panic from her voice. “I don’t mind tight spots, but I don’t like heights.”
Levi frowned. “I’m sorry. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have brought you.”
“I didn’t know until now,” she admitted, hands shaking. “Damnit . . .”
He pulled her closer, resting his chin on the top of her head. “Just close your eyes and hold onto me. I won’t let you fall.”
His heart beat steadily against her chest. Kal’s own pulse started to slow.
“I’ve made mistakes before,” he said quietly, “but I don’t want to make one with you.”
“I . . .” She didn’t know what to say. “Levi, I like you a lot. But I don’t want to stay in Arjevica.”
He didn’t tense or push her away. All he said was, “That’s obvious.”
It felt so good to snuggle into his warm coat. “I”m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to lead you on.”
“Don’t be sorry.” His warm breath tickled her forehead. “I want you to be happy, Kyra. What’s stopping you from leaving?”
She opened her mouth to lie, then reconsidered. He was the only soul she knew here besides the other students. She’d considered putting the word out among her client network that she needed a fake ID, but it was too much of a risk if one of the teachers found out.
Since that night at the park when she stupidly wrote Durian Lives in lipstick, Kal had sensed time running out. It wasn’t a matter of whether she wanted to stay anymore. The only question was how long she could get away with this charade before the white witches found her.
And she had a feeling it wouldn’t be much longer.
Levi might be her best hope. His mother sounded like she associated with some shady people. He’d kept Kal’s secret about sneaking over the wall. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to admit that she wanted to leave the Lenormand School for good.
“I lost my identity card,” she said, “and I can’t go home for it. So I’m kind of stuck.”
Levi pulled back to look her in the eye. His handsome face was grave. “I can help you with that.”
“Really?”
“Sure. I have connections.”
Her heart soared. “How much would it cost?”
“Nothing. Consider it a favor.”
Kal didn’t like owing people. “I can pay my own way. How much?”
His gaze lingered on her lips. “Virtue is its own reward.”
She snorted. “You deserve a real reward.”
A rumble like a purring cat came from his throat. “How about another kiss?”
Oh, it was tempting! “How about five draghas?” she countered.
His smile dazzled. “If you insist, I’ll accept one dragha. Reluctantly.”
“You can’t buy a cup of kopi with one dragha!”
Levi sobered. “Well, that’s all I’ll take.”
She didn’t want to seem ungracious. “Thank you. It means a lot. How long?”
“Let me talk to some people. I’d say a week or so.”
