“So you said last night. What time is it?” He reached for my wrist and checked the digital display on my Earth watch. “Eight. I’ll drop you off.”
“Have you been to my high school before?”
“I’ve never had a reason to, but I’ll follow Faith’s ’porting airstream so I’ll know the way.”
“If Faith’s going, I’ll catch a ride with her.”
“In case there’s an emergency, like with your fire skill, I need to be able to get to you fast.”
“That’s what I have family and friends for. You’re the only one I shouldn’t be calling on.” I wriggled down then crawled out the moment I had enough space. “Don’t worry about me. I have everything sorted.”
“Like training with Zayn?” He propped himself on his elbows, his expression grim. “You just had dinner with him.”
“Yes, I did. Get over it.” I snatched a pair of white cotton shorts and a cheery red tank top from my dresser.
“You turning to another man isn’t right. I don’t care for it.”
“Of course you don’t, but you’ve given up your place in my life. We’re both moving on, remember?” I headed to the bathroom and closed the door with a loud bang, not waiting for his answer. All remained quiet on the other side. Deep in my heart, I wasn’t ready to move on either, but I wouldn’t tell him that. I hardly needed to lay my heart on the line for a man who didn’t want me.
Shoving away from the door, I sighed. Those feelings were there, like I’d told Faith, and him staying the night had only made them deepen.
Still, nothing I could do about it. I pushed on, changed, brushed my teeth and combed my hair, still without a whisper of noise from beyond. Good, he must have gotten the point and gone.
I snuck to the door and opened it a crack. Yep, definitely gone. I strode out.
“Those shorts are too short.”
My heart almost lurched from my chest. He was here. I spun around. And why did he have to look so hot? He’d changed, and his blue jeans clung to his hips. “What are you doing back?”
He sauntered across, midnight-blue cuffs rolled to his elbows. “Making sure you don’t go out like that.” He pressed me against the wall. “Plus, we still need to talk about Zayn. He’s not training you.”
“Yes. He. Is. And I like these shorts.”
He slid his hands over my hips and along the frayed edge of my shorts. “No. He. Isn’t.”
I tried to pry his fingers loose, only, his grip remained firm.
“Silvie.” Zayn’s voice bounced inside my head. “I’m trying my hand at bacon and eggs. I wanted to cook you breakfast as a thank you for last night.”
“You’re in my kitchen?”
“Yep. Nothing’s burnt yet, but that could change at any minute. Cooking’s not really my forte.”
“I’m coming, only, Guy’s here and insisting on taking me to school. We’ll give him anything that’s charred.”
“Who are you speaking to?” Guy’s gaze narrowed to slits.
“Zayn. He made breakfast.”
The muscle in his jaw ticked. “In your kitchen? For you?”
“Yes, and be nice.”
“Hah, right.” Everything darkened as he ’ported us.
We arrived, and I prepared myself for the battle to come.
Zayn flipped bacon onto a dish next to a mound of scrambled eggs. He appeared ready for arena training with his sword and daggers sheathed in place. “Well, if it isn’t the warrior who enjoys spending a little too much time on Peacian soil.”
“You look ready to battle.” Guy pumped out his chest. “You want to train with a real opponent for a change?”
“Do you know one?” Zayn stroked the hilt of his sword, a sly smile lifting his lips.
Grrreat. A warrior and a protector facing off in my kitchen. I stepped between them and grabbed the dish. “Okay, this is ready.” I pressed it into Guy’s hand and urged him ahead of me into the dining room. Cutlery sparkled on the tabletop next to glasses of orange juice and a central plate of buttered toast. Zayn had gone to a lot of trouble.
“Ladies first.” Zayn pulled out a chair for me.
“Ah, thanks. It was so nice of you to cook.”
Guy let out a low growl, thrust out the chair beside mine and plunked himself down. “Has he cooked for you before?” He snapped the words along our link.
“No.” I served the bacon and eggs, giving the men the largest portions. Hopefully that would keep their mouths busy.
Guy snatched his fork and dug in. “Do you two eat together regularly?”
“Sometimes.” I munched on my eggs.
“I want you to tell him to back off.” He squeezed my leg under the table. “You’re my mate, not his.”
Sheesh. The males within the bond were overprotective when it came to their females, and it seemed mine was no different, no matter our circumstances. “Right. I’ll get onto that pronto.”
His gaze narrowed on Zayn. “He believes he can cook for you, and get away with it.”
“Um, last I heard, cooking wasn’t a crime.”
“Don’t make light of my words. He has intentions toward you, and it’s completely unacceptable.”