Page 94 of Midnight of Ashes
He struggled to get his words out. “Easton is a total scary-movie wimp.”
Easton picked up a pillow and smacked his brother with it. “Shut up.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling. “What if I promise to protect you from the boogeyman?”
Tiny flecks of gold sparked in his eyes. “Gotta let me sleep with you tonight so he doesn’t get me.”
My stomach flipped. “Okay.”
Easton’s smile was back, and this time, it was a full-watt one. The effect was dazzling. It made his entire face light up. I was so very screwed.
I stood quickly. “I’ll arrange the pillows.”
I pushed the coffee table away from the couch so we’d have space as Cáel started listing off movie options.
“What about a classic?” I asked. “The Exorcist?”
Easton groaned. “That little girl is so fucking creepy.”
I chuckled as I flopped down onto the pillows. “It’s not her fault she got possessed by the devil.”
He shivered as he lowered himself to the spot next to me. “They should’ve just killed her.”
I gaped at him. “She was a little girl.”
Easton shrugged, moving in closer to me. “Sacrifices must be made.”
Cillian settled in on my other side. “He has a point.”
I wanted to argue, but I was too distracted by their nearness. I hadn’t gotten used to Easton’s scent yet. That sea air with a hint of citrus. It was potent as hell and made me feel a little drunk.
I took a steadying breath. I could do this. Just two hours of my body going haywire.
Knox stood from the couch, crossing to turn off the lights. But he pulled up short as Maddox filled the door. “Hey, man.”
Maddox looked exhausted. There were dark circles under his eyes and tension running along his shoulders. I had the sudden desire to launch up and give the man a hug.
“Want to watch a movie with us?” Easton offered.
Mad shook his head. “No, I’m going to get a little work done and then call it an early night.”
Cillian shifted next to me. “Updates from the dean?”
Maddox shuffled his feet. “She doesn’t know anything. Just asked me to take one of Brent’s classes and an advisee or two.” He cleared his throat, his gaze locking with mine. “Hayden, I’m your new advisor.”
Everything in me locked. Oh, shit.
48
HAYDEN
The end credits rolled on the movie, but I barely saw them. The Exorcist was one of my favorite movies, but I’d hardly seen the film playing across the screen.
I’d been too distracted. Thinking about Maddox. Feeling the heat of Easton and Cillian next to me. Just knowing that I was surrounded by four of my mates.
My skin felt too tight for my body. My muscles felt twitchy, like I needed a good, long run. And I was not a runner.
Easton shifted, turning to me with a furrow in his brow. “You okay?”
