“We’re back to full names, I see.” He raises a well sculpted brow. I swear, these males have it easy. Full lashes and perfectly arched eyebrows. “And I guess you caught me talking with Angie, stopping by for a quick chat.”
“Not true,” she says, finding his stare. “Russ was standing here when I arrived. Stating, and I quote, ‘there’s a cute kitten taking this class, and I’m hoping to catch her before it starts.’ Is Kyra the kitten?” Her eyes squint with authority. “If so, she may be a cutie, but that kitten has claws. If you break her heart, I’ll do more than leave you on top of a snowy mountain. Dildo included.” Angie’s eyes flash white, and judging by the way he raised his eyebrows, it’s a bluff not worth calling.
I smother a laugh because no one’s breaking my heart. They won’t get close enough to try. He lifts his arms in surrender.
“You got me, I was waiting for Kyra, but she and I are just friends. No hearts being broken, you have my word.” He beams, and I capture the criminal intent of his smile.
“You’re right, Kyra, those dimples are dangerous. I say go for it, and if he hurts you, I’ll feed him to Terra. Message me later.”
Who’s Terra?
Angie gives me a tight hug and strolls away, leaving me speechless and slack jawed. Russ takes this opportunity to pry. “Dimples are dangerous, huh?” He reminds me of how true it is.
“Hush you. I have class.” I scoot past him before glancing over my shoulder. “See you after, if you’re around.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He grins. “Oh, and a heads up. Rebecca’s on a warpath this morning. Rumors of someone entering her office unannounced.”Shit. Does she know it was me?Instead of panicking, I nod and wrestle back the thought. Right now, I’m preparing to deal with Tish.
“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll see you later.”
“It’s a date,” he confirms, and I frown. “Not a date, in that manner–I meant like the time is set in stone.” Russ shifts nervously, and my eyes roll in tandem with a genuine smile. He is cute.
“Go to class and find me after,” I suggest, strolling in and waving over my shoulder.
Ryan rushes past, saying “Morning, Kyra,” and takes his seat. I can’t help but notice Ethan’s golden sigil still in effect. I’ll try getting it removed. Maybe Angie can put in a word, but for now, Tish needs her ass handed to her.
Based on her scowl, she is thinking the same thing.Let’s do this.
“Russ,you don’t understand. I trained all night preparing for my match with Tish, and the bitch pulls a fucking giant fire frog out of her ass. For one, I’m terrified of frogs and lizards. For two, what frog do you know that wields weapons and spits fire. Who comes up with this shit?” Throwing my arms up, I don’t care about the disapproving stares.
Reliving the thought alone has me searching for a corner to hide in.
“So, you lost?” he whispers.
“Lost? She damn near killed me. If it wasn’t for my shield and the time running out, we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation. Fuck her!”
“You didn’t have any attacks to take her down?” He snickers, and my heated leer pierces his skull.
“I do, but ‘someone’ forbade me from using it, saying it’ll kill her. I should have used it anyway.” My anger is besting me while Russ enjoys the show.
We round a corner, treading the hall of House Earth’s Green Wing. “I see. Well, if you’d like to practice some more, I’m more than happyto be your punching bag.” He nudges me with a shoulder, and some of my anger dissolves.
“You’re too kind, but I won’t use you in such a way. I have a feeling you’ll give me more than enough reasons to punish you as it is. But thanks for offering.” I nudge him back, and we share a chuckle. Those dimples set in deep and ease my aggression.
We continue walking and reach the hallway’s end. A strong gust follows Russ opening the doors, and a crisp cedar scent washes over me. I relish in students casting magic, racing to see who will be the first to finish their sculpture.
The air here feels light. Not too cold but not warm either. Like someone set the thermostat to seventy degrees, and I’m not mad at it, which is why my wardrobe consists of all hoodies.
“Will Kyra Urai report to the Assistant Dean’s office.” A loud voice flies overhead, and I startle.
“What the hell is that?” I ask, searching for a culprit. Russ points to a soaring bird made of mud. Its earthy, frail build lands on a branch facing us as pieces of clay chips from its flapping wings.
“Will Kyra Urai report to the Assistant Dean’s office. Will Kyra Urai report to the Assistant Dean’s Office. Will–”
“Damn, can it shut up already. I get it.” Yelling over its annoying pitch, I make my palms glow, and a red dagger forms above my left shoulder, heeding Alex’s teachings.
“You should answer, or it’ll go on forever,” he responds, noticing my weapon with a curious peek. “But in case you didn’t know, the Assistant Dean–”
“Don’t you dare, or this one’s for you, punishing bag.” Another dagger forms beside the first, and its sharpened blade points his direction. He simulates locking his mouth as a simper creeps up mine.
