Page 110 of Scarlet Wars
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance I didn’t feel. “Levi touched me. Caden saw.”
Sean’s mouth curved into an amused grin. “Really? Looks like that plan of yours worked out great.”
I flipped him off without hesitation. “Bite me.”
Jackson snorted and jabbed Sean in the ribs. “We still going to that afterparty, or what?” he grumbled, rubbing at his temple like the alley lights were too bright.
Sean groaned, rolling his shoulders. “Christ yeah. I need a drink, and maybe someone who doesn’t try to vaporize me when I flirt.”
Couldn’t help but snort. “Good luck with that.”
I turned to Caden, who was still standing where he’d been, one hand shoved into his pocket, the other flexing once before falling still. The alley light caught the edge of his jaw, his expression unreadable, but his focus was locked on me like he could see every thought I was trying to bury.
Tearing my gaze away, I pretended my pulse wasn’t hammering in my throat. “If you guys don’t mind,” I said, forcing a lightness I didn’t feel, “I think I’ll sit this one out.”
Jackson frowned at me in confusion. “What? You’re the whole reason we’re here!”
I gave a small, tired shrug. “Yeah, well. I’m kind of done being social for the night.”
Sean lifted a brow, smirking. “That code forCaden’s going with youorCaden’s the reason you’re not?”
“Sean,” Caden warned, his voice low enough to still the air.
My asshole best friend only grinned wider. “Right, right. I’ll take it as atouchy subject.” He clapped Jackson on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s leave the lovebirds to their existential crisis.”
Jackson muttered something about needing a stronger drink, and the two of them finally wandered off, their footsteps echoing down the alley until only silence remained.
I exhaled slowly, the breath shaking out of me. For a moment, I just stood there, staring at the ground, afraid that ifI looked up, I’d find Caden still watching me, and I wasn’t sure what I’d do if he was.
“I’m tired,” I muttered, the words barely holding together.
He didn’t answer.
My fingers were restless with magic I didn’t know what to do with.
Finally, I lifted my hand, tracing a slow arc through the air. Green light shimmered along the movement, a thin, trembling line that widened into a glowing portal beside me. The hum of it filled the alley, soft but alive, like the air itself was holding its breath.
For a heartbeat, I glanced at him, only once. The faintest muscle ticking near his temple, and it looked like he wanted to speak but chose not to.
The portal flared brighter, and before I could second-guess myself, I stepped through.
The magic closed around me in a rush of cold air, the alley vanishing behind me. All that remained was the echo of my heartbeat, and the phantom heat of Caden’s hands, still burning on my skin long after I’d gone.
TWENTY-SEVEN
EMMA
I’d crashed the second I dropped into my room.
Didn’t even bother wiping off the makeup. Barely managed to kick off my boots without face-planting. Still wearing the shortest dress known to humankind, I was sprawled across the bed, eyes wide open and brain refusing to shut up.
The whole night kept looping in my head. Every word, every look, every stupid spark of want I swore I didn’t feel.
That man challenged every ounce of my sanity.
Why did I walk away from him? I could’ve stayed. Stayed and mounted him like a sane, functional adult who doesn’t run from the best idea she’s ever had.
But no. I’d decided to be noble. Rational. Whatever the hell that was.
