Kiara saw red. Blood was pounding in her ears and rageboiled up in her heart. She stormed into the headmaster’s office with a force,slamming the door behind her.
Her silver-green eyes shot lightning, her hands were balledinto tight fists and her jaw was clenched to the point where it hurt.
She headed straight for Houghs and banged her hands down onhis mahogany desk.
“Show me the letter. Now.”
Nathan Houghs looked up at her, concern and stress hidden inhis cold blue eyes. “Miss Westwin, I was wondering when you’d turn up here.”
She snarled. “Cut the bullshit and show it to me.”
He smiled sadly, lifted a piece of paper off the desk andheld it out to her. “Headmaster Colton received this about half an hour ago andhe sent someone to bring it to me immediately. We just got off the phonediscussing a solution.”
Kiara grabbed the letter out of his hands and read it witheyes full of panic.
I have Riley Stern as my prisoner. Give me Kiara Westwin and Iwill release him. Keep in mind that I easily lose my patience.
She let the sheet of paper fall to the floor. Her breathingcame out harsh. “Where is he?”
“A small town in Greece called Githeio. We assume he is inRodas Gianakos’s house.”
She collapsed into a chair and became aware of Tania’scomforting hand on her shoulder. “You said you were discussing a solution withHeadmaster Colton. Do you have a plan yet?”
Headmaster Houghs wrung his hands together. “I’ve beenpondering an idea, but it involves…”
Kiara cocked an eyebrow. “Involves what?”
“Giving him exactly what he wants.”
Kiara’s mouth fell open. “You want to trade hostages?”
“Now, I didn’t say that.”
For the first time since becoming a Guardian, she didn’tstumble when stepping out of the portal. She was prepared for the impact andher tanned features were set in feral determination.
She was armed to the teeth and suited in black leatherarmour. There was a fire lighter in her breast pocket, two Cross-shaped swordswere strapped to her back, three silver knives were hidden in her boots andfour daggers rested in her belt.
If the situation had been less dire, Kiara would haveadmired the quaint little bookstore, which was sure to harbour a few classicjewels.
But she didn’t have time to browse books today. Today, shewas out for blood.
She took slow, deliberate steps; the louder the better. Theidea was to attract attention, after all.
And it did.
After only a few paces, a flash of deep purple smokeappeared at the other side of the room. A man rose out of it; a wicked grindominated his face.
He was dressed like a middle-aged man, but had the looks ofa twenty-year-old. Like all warlocks, he was tall and lean with green cat-eyesthat he didn’t bother to conceal in front of her.
Her twin swords were out of their scabbards and held readyat her sides in an instant.
“Rodas Gianakos.”
He lifted his arms as if greeting a friend. “Kiara, youcame.”
She clenched her jaw and tightened her grip on the weapons.“Well, you do have my Achilles’ heel down there.”
His eyes gleamed like a snake’s when spotting a mouse and itsent shivers down her spine. “Why are you so convinced he’s still alive?”
Kiara’s eyes widened and her heart dropped. No. No. He can’t be dead. That wasn’t thedeal.
Stop it! He’s justtrying to get into your head.
“Why do you want me here? Why would you exchange Riley forme?”
Rodas chuckled cruelly, smugly. “You really don’t knowanything, do you?”
“What do I not know? Why are all these supernaturals afterme?”
“Because you are the one, Kiara. The one who will changeeverything. Now, let’s get on with business, shall we? Judging by your blades,I take it you won’t come with me without a fight.”
She brought her swords up and smirked despicably. “I don’tdo anything without a fight.”
Then she attacked, aiming straight for his gut. He steppedto the right just before the blow landed and she slashed into his upper arminstead.
He flinched, but recovered quickly and his hands shot up. Aninvisible magical power seized her and slammed her into a bookcase repeatedlyuntil she fell down.
She was back on her feet almost immediately, one sword stillclutched in her left hand. She used her right to fling a dagger at the man, buthe caught it inches from his face. The dagger clattered to the floor.
The invisible force took her again. It gripped her throatand lifted her off the ground. Her toes scraped against the floor, but shecouldn’t replace stability.
How am I going to beathim? He has magic – powerful magic.
He dropped her and she crashed down, thankful that she wasunable to feel pain.
Before she could get up, he knelt down next to her. “Youlittle fool. I am a warlock. I could use any number of spells and kill youwithout lifting a finger.”
“But you won’t. You need me alive.”
“Maybe. But I know things that will make even a Guardianexperience torture.”
Ready to cast black magic, Gianakos opened his hands. Kiarafelt something unknown shift inside of her. Purple sparks appeared at hisfingers. The smell of spells filled the room. Kiara held her breath…
But nothing happened.
Kiara opened her eyes, which had been scrunched shut, andsaw that Rodas’s face was full of confusion and effort. Magic was seeping fromhis hands, but it couldn’t reach her.
It was like a transparent shield had been placed betweenthem. She frowned and got up cautiously. He was using all the power hepossessed, but the magic could not break through to her.
He let out a frustrated scream and used more force. Theresults remained the same and he shook his head fervently. “No. This isimpossible. You’re not supposed to be able to use them already.”
She didn’t ask questions. She lifted her remaining sword andpunched it into Rodas Gianakos’s heart. Kiara twisted the blade and grimaced asdark blood spattered against her gear. Then she pulled the weapon back andwiped it clean on her sleeve. She looked down at the dying warlock.
“Go back to where you came from.”
Riley listened to the commotion coming from above intently.Gianakos had left as soon as the footsteps started and Riley now recognisedKiara’s voice amidst the noise. He cocked his head to the side in an attempt toidentify what they were saying.
Then his head shot up as two people suddenly fell into theroom. Tania and Savanna.
They boasted sleek ponytails, tight black armour and anentire arsenal of weapons. The two zombies guarding him were dispatched withinseconds.
Savanna sheathed her blade and grinned at him. “Looks likeyou’re in trouble, Headboy. Need a couple of girls to save you, now do you?”
He shrugged. “You know me: the eternal feminist.”
Tania rolled her eyes. “Yeah. Yeah. We’re all very badassand witty, but we need to get you untied and go help Kiara.”
Both girls knelt down and started working on breaking hisbounds, which consisted of cable ties. “Wait. Kiara is alone up there? Are you insane? Rodas will butcher her in under aminute.” He started to struggle. “Please just go help her. Please.”
Tania took both his shoulders in her hands and steadied him.“We have a plan, Riley. So shut up and stay still.”
He obeyed and was released in a few moments. He jumped upand bounded up two sets of stairs until he reached the bookstore. The two girlsfollowed.
Three bookcases had collapsed, their contents spilled out onthe wooden floorboards. Thick, dark blood was spattered against the left walland the air reeked of black magic.
Only a pile of ash remained of Rodas Gianakos.
Riley’s attention went straight to Kiara. She was staring atthe floor, an expression of blood thirst on her features and a sword in herleft hand. Her dark brown curls were arranged around her olive-skinned face andneck wildly. The silver in her green eyes reminded him of lightning, her sharpcheekbones of a feline huntress. She was absolutely stunning.
Hearing their footsteps, Kiara looked up. Relief floodedover her features when she saw Riley and she threw her arms around him,discarding her weapon in the process.
“Riley. Oh, thank God you’re safe. I was so worried aboutyou.”
Tania and Savanna cleared their throats simultaneously andthe redhead said, “So, we’re going to portal to Insulam so long. You guys come when you’re ready.”
Riley returned Kiara’s embrace. “Thank you for coming. Didyou just kill a warlock by yourself?”
She pulled back and placed a strand of hair behind her ear.“I guess I did.”
And then he remembered what had been bothering him since themoment of his capture. “Kiara, what’s going on?”
She scowled. “What do you mean?”
“Why are all these supernaturals so obsessed with you?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know-’’
He balled his hands into fists. “Don’t sell me the samenonsense you do Houghs. I’m sorry, Kiara, but I just got tied up because ofwhatever is happening with you. I think I deserve to know.”
Kiara stared at him incredulously. “Gianakos wanting me isthe only reason you’re alive right now. I thought you’d be grateful when Isaved you and instead you’re hostile.”
Riley’s next words shocked even him. “Rodas said thateveryone in the supernatural world knows you. Are you in league with them? Areyou a traitor?”
The hurt in her eyes was all the answer he needed and hefelt horrible for even thinking it.
“Riley, it’s nothing like that. I received a threateningletter a while back; someone is trying to capture me. I don’t know who and Idon’t know why.”
“Why are you keeping it a secret?”
“I was afraid Headmaster Houghs would kick me off theIsland. After Gianakos’s letter he knows anyway. He does have every right toexpel me. I put his students in danger. Look at what happened to you-’’
He took her hands in his to silence her. “I would neverallow him to exile you. And if it helps, I won’t tell him about the threateningletter. But I would appreciate your complete trust and honesty from now on.”
Kiara nodded and beamed affectionately. “Except for mymother, I have never trusted anyone more.”
After Rodas Gianakos’s death, everything changed.
Kiara had been chosen for three missions in one week and ontwo of them, unexpected supernaturals had shown up in pursuit of her.
She was now the femaleGuardian, not just because of her talent, but because Nathan Houghs believedthat she could increase the number of supernatural deaths.
He was using her as bait. And she let him, because shewasn’t afraid anymore. She was a good fighter and she’d proven that. At leastthe target on her back could contribute something.
But, lying on her bed on a Friday afternoon, she couldn’tget the threat off her mind. She still had no idea as to who was looking forher and the mystery just continued to deepen.
“Rodas said thateveryone in the supernatural world knows you.”
Everyone?
That was absurd, but it certainly seemed to correspond withthe facts:
A zombie had attacked her and her mother.
A threatening letter had been sent to her withmagic.
Vampires had tried to kidnap her.
Rodas Gianakos had tried to take her hostage.
And nearly all the supernatural species hadhunted her ever since.
But why? Why were these creatures after her? Why was shebeing singled out? Why was she so special? Why? Why? Why?
“Because you are theone, Kiara. The one who will change everything.”
What was everything? What would she change? And how wouldshe change it?
The bedroom door swung open and Tania came in, a Nine West handbag slung over her shoulder.“Why aren’t you ready?”
Kiara shook her head to clear her thoughts. “What?”
“In the clouds today, are we?”
“Sorry, I’m just a bit preoccupied… What is it I’m supposedto get ready for?”
Tania tried to cock her eyebrows, but failed once again. “Thefree weekend.”
“What’s a free weekend?”
Her blonde roommate rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah, I forgot thatif I don’t tell you stuff, no one does.” She sighed. “Every month, we get afree weekend. We can go anywhere-’’
Kiara jumped up. “Anywhere?! I can go home. I can see mymom.”
“Slow down, sport. Anywhere on the Island. And you and I are going to Masculum. Aaron and Riley are waiting.
Masculum CollegiiCustos was a majestic building and it reminded Kiara of the Ivy LeagueUniversities in movies. The walls were cream-coloured stone, dozens of stairsled to the marble front porch and four giant pillars guarded the ornamentedentrance.
The front lawn was as green as golf courses on a HD TVscreen, luscious trees providing spots of shade.
Kiara saw Riley almost immediately. He was lounging on thefourth step, his dark blonde hair shocking in the brilliant sunlight. He lookedgorgeous in a red-and-blue football jacket, fitted beige chinos and white Converse sneakers. When he saw her, hishoney eyes lit up and he beamed beautifully. Those irresistible dimples senther heart fluttering.
He stood up and she found herself quickening her pace to getto him. How is it possible that someoneso perfect exists?
They finally reached each other and greeted with a lengthyembrace. “Hey.” His voice was warm and had that element of compassion thatalways accompanied Riley.
She leaned back, arms still hooked around the back of hisneck. “Hi.”
“How are you doing?”
She played with a few strands of his hair and said, “I’mgreat now. And you.”
“I’ve just been worried about you going on all thesemissions.” He used his right thumb to caress her cheek.
She leaned into his touch. “You don’t have to be concerned.I can take care of myself. I think I’ve proven that.”
“I know you’re competent. That doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
Kiara took a deep breath and smiled. “I’ve never seen theIsland so alive. Everyone is so happy and full of energy.”
He nodded. “Every bit of freedom we get is a treasure.”
“So, what do you have planned for us?”
He pulled away from the hug, but intertwined the fingers ofhis left hand with those of her right. Then he motioned towards the college. “Ithought I could show you around a bit and then we can just see where the daytakes us.”
She squeezed his hand gently. “Sounds perfect.”
Tania sighed irritably and crossed her arms over her chest.She tapped her foot on the marble floor of Masculum’sfront porch restlessly.
She had arranged to meet Aaron her and now he was nowhere tobe seen. He’d better have a very good excuse.
A scrawny, redheaded boy with glasses and acne came up thestairs. Before entering the college, he turned to look at her. “Hello, Tania.”
She chewed on the inside of her cheek in frustration. “Hey,Bart.”
“You look like you’re waiting for someone.”
She bit back on her anger and hissed, “Aaron.”
Bart frowned, his bushy eyebrows knotting together. “Howlong have you been waiting?”
It’s just an innocentquestion, Tania. Keep calm.
“About an hour.”
“Are you sure he’s coming?
Okay, listen, kid, youhave no idea how close I am to snapping your windpipe.
Instead, she said, “Yes, he’s coming.”
Bart gave her a sympathetic glance and entered the stonebuilding. It sent her blood boiling. Imagine that, Bart feeling sorry for her. She didn’t need this. She could getanother guy.
Just when she made to leave, someone’s arms came around herfrom behind, the person’s hands covering her eyes. The skin was warm andcalloused.
“Guess who.”
She recognised the deep voice and British accent instantly.Aaron.
So she snapped her elbow back. It buried in his gut and hewas shoved away. Then she spun around to face him, not really seeing him in herrage.
“Guess who? Okay, let me guess. The guy who failed to meetme when he was supposed to? The guy who left me waiting for an hour? The guywho stood me up and ruined what was supposed to be a great day? Yeah, I thinkyou might be that guy.”
His eyes widened. “Tania, I-’’
“Oh, save it for someone who cares. I’m going back to Feminam.”
Tania swivelled away and started stomping down the steps.Aaron hurried after her and grabbed hold of her wrist. “Tania, please. I – Iplanned a surprise and it ended up taking longer to set up that I anticipated.I’m sorry that I kept you waiting. I should have sent you a message on theletter pad. But please don’t leave.”
She exhaled loudly and turned to look at him. Her angerwashed away. His dark hair cascaded down on his olive-skinned features ingentle perfection. He was wearing a dark green t-shirt that accentuated hispowerful shoulders irresistibly. But it was the ever-present sadness in hisalmost-black eyes that melted her heart.
She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Fine…” Then shepointed her index finger at him. “But whatever you have planned had better beworth my time.”
The corners of his mouth lifted in a crooked grin. “One canonly hope.”
He took her hand – a display of affection that was unlikeAaron- and led her down the staircase. All around, groups of people werelounging in the shade, enjoying the hot day.
As the two of them strolled across the lawns, Tania asked,“So, what’s the surprise?”
He shook his head. “Telling you would defy the purpose.”
“It’s just that I like to be in control of the situation.” Theyleft Masculum’s garden and entered Insulam’s forest. “And now I’m gettingworried. Where are we going?”
As the foliage thickened, it got darker and darker. Tanialooked around with nervous eyes and Aaron chuckled inwardly.” Just trust me.”
It was now black as night and Tania heard instrumental musiccoming from somewhere up ahead. The tree trunks thinned out to form a naturalclearing next to a stream.
The serene music was coming from a small battery-powered CDplayer. There were camping lanterns hung up in the branches and a chequered redblanket had been placed a few steps from the running water. And there was asingle picnic basket on top of it.
She beamed from ear to ear. “You did all of this?”
Aaron shrugged. “I wanted your day to be perfect… So, areyou still mad at me for being late?”
She grinned cheekily and placed her hands on her hips. “Thatdepends on whether there’s biltong in that basket or not.”
“Who takes South African girl on a picnic and doesn’t packbiltong?”
Riley’s bedroom reminded her of a posh beach house. Thefloor and ceiling consisted of light wooden panels, matching the bedside tablesand dressers. There were two blue-quilted double beds and a giant white pianoin the leftmost corner.
There was also a scrawny, but tall boy standing in thecentre of the room. He had a mop of curly black hair, dark blue eyes andcaramel-coloured skin.
When Kiara and Riley entered, the boy lifted his hand in agreeting.
“Hi. Ego sum Naveed.”
Hi. I’m Naveed.
“He’s my roommate. His English is borderline, so he justcommunicates in Latin,” Riley explained.
Kiara smiled politely. “Kiara. Ego sum placuit quod ad vos, Naveed. Quo abis?”
Pleased to meet you.Where are you headed?
“A me costitutum estvacation. Ego visito familiae.”
It’s my vacation. I’mgoing to visit my family.
“Fortunatus es,”she answered.
You’re lucky.
He headed towards the door and nodded before exiting. “Vale.”
Farewell.
“He seems nice,” she remarked.
Riley nodded. “He is. And the kid’s like a modern AlbertEinstein. Well, this is my room and now you’ve seen everything Masculum has to offer.”
She did a slow turn to take everything in. “It’s beautiful.The piano Naveed’s?”
He beamed and walked across the space to slide in behind theinstrument. “Actually, it’s mine.”
He patted the seat next to him and she obeyed. “You nevertold me you could play.”
Those gorgeous shoulders went up in a shrug. “It never cameup.”
Then his slender hands travelled across the keys expertlyand a flawless melody sprang into the air. She recognised John Legend’s All of Me almost immediately.
A little gasp escaped from her lips when a warm,smooth-toned voice blended with the notes. Riley was singing and it wasabsolutely breath-taking.
“Cause all of me
loves all of you.
Love your curves
and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections.
Give your all to me
I’ll give my all to you.
You’re my end
and my beginning.
Even when I lose I’m winning.
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you.
Give me all of you.”
Kiara didn’t realise her own emotion until a tear rolleddown her cheek. The music stopped and Riley’s hand came up to caress the sideof her face. “Why are you crying?” The tenderness in those words onlyobliterated her further.
She looked up into his honey-brown eyes and found herselfspeechless. So she didn’t talk. She just leaned into him. His full lips partedslowly and he came closer.
This was it. This would be their first kiss. She closed hereyes and felt his hot breath on her skin…
But their lips never met.
Riley sat back and cleared his throat. “How are things withyou and Xavier?”
Kiara sighed in disappointment and frustration. “I do notwant to talk about Xavier Carlisle. Things between us are finished and all Ican say is: ‘good riddance’.”
He cocked a blonde eyebrow. “When did that happen?”
“The day you were kidnapped.”
He rose from the piano stool and revealed his dimples in agrin. “I hope you brought a dress, because there’s a party at Congregata tonight… And this time,there’s no curfew.”
The mischievous anticipation in his eyes sent her pulseracing.
Congregata’s dancefloor was packed and modern music blared from the giant speakers in the room’scorners. The Guardians were partying like it was the end of the world.
And Riley and Kiara were slow-dancing.
Her head rested against his chest, arms draped around hisneck. He held her as close as he possibly could and took in everything abouther.
Riley was reminded of the first night, when he’d firstrealised that in his arms was where Kiara belonged. The world just seemed tomake sense when she was around.
He leaned down to say, “Can I tell you a secret?”
She looked up, her silver-green eyes nearly taking hisbreath away, and nodded.
His forehead came down to rest against hers. “I have a hugecrush on you.”
She giggled and the glee it held touched him in his soul.“Can I tell you a secret…? I kind ofhave a huge crush on you too.”
After the party, Kiara and Riley strolled through one of thecollege’s corridors. When they reached his bedroom, Riley went inside, butKiara halted in the doorway. She leaned against the frame and admired how goodhe looked in his black waistcoat.
“I should probably get back to Feminam.”
He turned to face her, a strange expression on his beigefeatures. “Kiara, it’s the middle of the night…”
An odd tingle ran down her spine. “And what do you propose Ido?”
“Stay.”
Kiara’s eyes widened. “Riley, I-’’
“You can choose whichever bed you want and I will sleep inthe other one.”
She shook her head with great difficulty. “I don’t even havepyjamas here.”
He shrugged and she couldn’t help but notice the hard musclein his shoulders. “You could always borrow one of my shirts.”
“That’s – uh – kind of intimate.”
Riley came closer and her heart rate quickened. His darkblonde hair was messy, his eyes alive. Whydoes he have to be so damn handsome?
He wrapped his arms around her waist and she gulped. God, help me.
His voice came out in a hoarse whisper. “It is. But tell meyou don’t replace the prospect thrilling.”
Her last bit of resolve crumbled and she grinned up at him.“I’ll take your bed, then.”
Aaron finally decided to show Tania his bedroom, which hadthe same layout and colour scheme as the others at the college, the next day.
She headed straight for the white bookcase that formed theright wall. It was packed.
“These yours?”
He nodded cautiously.
Her eyes lit up as they travelled across the volumes. “Princess Diaries. PS. I love you. The Lucky One.Aaron, you read romance novels?”
His broad shoulders lifted and dropped in a shy shrug. “Whatcan I say? I’m a hopeless romantic at heart.”
She couldn’t resist a grin. “Read me something.”
He frowned, his dark brows knitting together. “What?”
“Read me a passage from one of the books. Something youthink is special.”
He hesitated for a few seconds, and then sighed, taking The Longest Ride by Nicholas Spark offthe shelf. His calloused hands flipped through the pages until he found theright one. A deep voice filled the room and she was transported to a place ofcomplete tranquillity.
“I wish I had thetalent to paint the way I feel about you, for my words always feel inadequate.I imagine using red for your passion and pale blue for your kindness; forestgreen to reflect the depth of your empathy and bright yellow for yourunflagging optimism. And still I wonder: can even an artist’s palette capturethe full range of what you mean to me?”
He closed the book and put it away. She expected him tosmile. Instead, the sorrow in his eyes was too much to bear. And it broke herheart.
She placed a gentle hand on his arm and said, “Tell me.”
He gulped down the emotion that rose up in his throat. “Tellyou what?”
“Aaron, there’s a story of tragedy always present in youreyes. I want to know that story.”
He sighed heavily and then was silent for some time, staringat the floorboards. When he spoke, his answer came out in a hoarse whisper:
“I killed them.”
Her blood turned to ice and she froze. “Who?”
“My parents and my sister.”
It was as if everything inside him collapsed at theconfession and he sagged down on the end of the nearest bed.
Tania took a seat next to him. “Tell me what happened.”
He wasn’t listening to her. His eyes were darting from sideto side with fervour; his hands clenched and unclenched rapidly and his breathcame out in jagged gusts.
“It’s all my fault. I killed them. I’m a murderer.”
She put her hands on top of his to still them. He finallylooked at her. “Tell me what happened,” she repeated.
His breathing slowed and he closed his eyes. “It happenedfour years ago… Joey was only twelve. My dad and I had been arguing aboutsomething – I can’t even remember about what – and I decided to run away.” Hisbreath caught, but he continued. “I was only planning to go for a few hours.But they all got in the car, scouring Oxford’s streets… I got home at midnightto replace policemen at my house. They tried to explain the accident, but I justkept on crying out. Not even weeping, just screaming at the top of my lungs.”
He was weeping now,sobs tearing through his body. She wiped a tear from his olive-skinned cheek.“Aaron, you didn’t kill them. It was an accident.”
“If it wasn’t for me, they’d still be alive. Thatconstitutes murder.”
“You can’t blame yourself for something you had no controlover. Promise me that whenever you feel guilty or just down, you’ll talk tome.”
He sniffed once and then nodded. “Okay… How can you evenstand me after knowing what I’ve done?”
She chuckled gently. “You’re gonna have to try a lot harderthan that to get rid of me.”
He kissed her.
A million volts of electricity shot through her veins. Shebrought her hands up to tangle them in his hair. All her senses blendedtogether until all she saw was red. All she felt was warmth. All she smelledwas his Armani cologne. All shetasted was the saltiness of tears on his lips. And all she heard was her ownheart pumping, instead of blood, affection.
Tania pulled away. When their eyes met, the only emotion inhis was bliss. She rested her head against his shoulder. “I never want to seesadness in your eyes again.”
“And you never will, as long as I’m looking at you.”
“Wait. You haven’t even kissed yet?”
Tania’s disbelief was apparent in her gape. It was Sundayevening and the girls were sitting on their beds, reflecting on the weekend’sevents.
Kiara bit down on her lower lip and shook her head.
“But you stayed with Riley overnight?”
The brunette raised an eyebrow. “And you just assumed thatwe had sex? I just didn’t want to walk all the way here in the dark. Nothinghappened between us. Although, I was pretty tempted to throw myself at him atone point.” Her heart rate increased at the mere thought.
Tania rolled her grey-blue eyes and gesticulated widely. “Nosurprise there. The chemistry between the two of you is as clear as the zit ofthe tip of Stella Jones’s nose.”
Kiara’s raucous giggle filled the room. “He is great, butRiley and I are just friends for now. How’s Aaron?”
The blonde girl fell back against her pillows dramatically.“Incredible. Unlike some people, we did getour romance on.”
“I take it he’s a good kisser.”
“Yes! But it’s more than that. Being with him just feelsright… Gosh, I sound like one of those girls I mock all the time.”
Kiara shrugged. “Love makes you do strange things.”
Then she chuckled mockingly and got a pillow to the face.Tania cackled and she joined in. “But the thing is, I am totally falling forRiley.”
Ten o’ clock. Monday night. Kiara was alone in her bedroom.A knock sounded at her door.
She got up from her bed and padded across the floor in herpink slippers. When she saw who was at the other side of the door, her smilefaded.
“Xavier.”
His portal-eyes were swirling with intense emotion, hisjet-black hair messy and glistening. He was wearing a tight grey sweater anddark chinos. Despite their last encounter, her heart gave a little leap at thesight of him.
“Kiara.” Even his voice was beautiful – coarse and low.
She managed to steel herself against his charm with someeffort. “What part of ‘don’t speak to me ever again’ is unclear to you?”
“May we go converse in the teacher’s quarters? It is moreprivate.”
She crossed her arms over her chest to defend herselfagainst her own emotions. “Why would I go with you? What is so important thatit has to be said now?”
He took a step forward – a step closer. “I love you.”
Her eyes widened, she gulped in shock and then she noddedquickly. “Okay, let’s go talk.”
They made their way to the seventh floor in silence. Kiara’sblood was pounding in her ears, along with her thoughts.
Don’t let him get toyou. Don’t look at him.
Oh, but he’s so niceto look at-
No. He’s just going toplay with your feelings again.
But he said he lovesme.
Xavier’s room was all monochrome furniture and clean lines.The grey walls were only one shade darker than the carpet; there was a woodendresser in the far corner. An abstract painting hung above it and a standinglamp’s white light was reflected in the giant mirror against the opposite wall.Her eyes continually flicked to the neatly made-up, black-covered double bedthat occupied the centre of the room. The air smelled of his spicy cologne,which only served in drawing her in further.
He shut the door behind them.
Her back was turned to him and he was suddenly right behindher, breath hot on her neck. “I found a copy of Feminam Collegii Custos’s rules. There is no restrictionprohibiting a relationship between a student and a teacher.”
Her heart contracted gleefully. Her head protested loudly.
“What about the taboo of the situation?”
“I do not care about anything except being with you. I loveyou, Kiara.” His tone was too sincere to bear.
She spun around, desperately trying to control her desires.“How can I believe you?”
He swept the hair away from her neck with a gentle hand andher breath caught in her throat. His lips came up against her ear and hewhispered, “The only way to get rid of atemptation is to yield to it.”
She emitted a small gasp. “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
He nodded, his hair brushing against her skin. “That is thefirst Victorian novel you were acquainted with, if I remember correctly.”
He looked at her. His eyes were dark now, like ragingwhirlpools ready to take her in their grasp. She didn’t say anything. She justkissed him.
They collided like waves in a storm and everything elsebecame insignificant. He pulled her against him and she dug her fingers intothe hard muscle of his upper back to haul herself even closer. They were curledinto each other, but it was never enough. It was like they wanted to climb intoa hidden place in the other person’s chest – be one being, share one heartbeat.She never wanted it to stop.
They later shifted to the bed, where the kiss continueduntil Kiara eventually fell into a serene state of sleep.
Her heart had won.
Kiara’s eyes opened slowly and she found Xavier smiling ather. She stretched out on the white sheets and returned the grin. “What are youlooking at?”
He reached out to caress her cheek and half-whispered,“You.”
She giggled and then a sudden thought struck her. “It’s aschool day. What time is it?”
“There is no reason for concern. It is only six o’ clock.”
She sighed with relief and sank back against the pillows.“Thank goodness. Besides, dating a teacher probably gives me a free pass foreverything.”
He chuckled lightly. “That we shall have to discuss… Thereis a question I have been meaning to ask you.”
She propped herself up on an elbow and frowned. “And what isthat?”
He cleared his throat. “I was raised in quite anold-fashioned manner, which is why I formally want to ask you if you would dome the honour of becoming my girlfriend.”
What about Riley?You’re falling in love with Riley.
Kiara ignored that part of her.
“You’re right; that’s very old-fashioned. But I like it.”She leaned forward and kissed him, letting her lips linger on his for a moment.
His sapphire portals lit up. “I’ll assume that as a yes.”
“It’s a definite yes.”
1993
Virginia admired the steadyprecision of Nathan’s arm as he flung the dagger at the target against thewall. She applauded when the blade struck the bull’s eye.
“Well done, Nate. Are yousneaking in extra practice behind my back?”
He stalked forward andyanked the knife from its resting place by the hilt. His beige-coloured facewas set in that expression of earnest he always bore; his sky blue eyes werehard, his light brown hair cropped short.
He clenched his jaw. “Wherewere you last night?”
Her heart dropped. He wastoo close to her secret for comfort. She scowled, feigning innocence. “What areyou talking about?”
“I sent you a message andyou didn’t reply. You always have your letter pad with you. So you must’ve goneoff the Island.”
Hecan’t be that smart. He can’t figure this out.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
He turned to face her andshe was put under the scrutiny of those eyes – the eyes that so easily sawthrough her. “This wasn’t the first time you went. How do you even get off Insulam?”
Ican’t tell you, because you’d hate me if you knew.
Virginia smiled sweetly.“Nate, listen to me. I didn’t go anywhere last night. I just went to bed early,which is why I didn’t get your message. And I definitely haven’t left theIsland, except for missions.”
He raised a sceptic eyebrow,but gave in and grinned after a while. “Fine. Your turn.”
She giggled and readiedherself to release the dagger in her hand. It landed just a bit left of thecentre.
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