“Okay, it totally looked strange. But you were so twitchy about the underwear. I didn’t want another diplomatic snafu.” Cissy crinkles her bottom lip.
I grip the edge of the bench like I’ll snap it in two. Rage boils through my bloodstream. “I love you Cissy, but you’ve been nothing but a high maintenance nightmare for months now.” I tick off her misdeeds on my fingers. “First, you go crazy with envy that Lincoln’ll get my attention when you’re waaaaaay too into Zekie. Second, you give me the silent treatment for what’s basically no good reason. And third, you neglect to mention that I’m walking out the door with CUNNUS written on my butt. This hurts in a serious way and it’s got to stop.” My eyes flare red. “Not to mention the fact that it’s ruined my last night with Lincoln.”
Cissy’s eyes grow large; she pops her hand over her mouth. “I’m soooo sorry, Myla.” Her bottom lip quivers. “You’re right; I’ve been a really bad friend.” She sits down beside me on the bench. “Talk to me. Please. What can I do to make it up to you?”
I speak through gritted teeth. “Go back to the ball and have Zeke drive you home. I want to be alone for a while.” A weight settles on my chest. Lincoln’s off on demon patrol, somewhere on Earth. We had a fun night planned and now this. Man, do I ever need to kill something.
Cissy gnaws on her thumbnail. “I’m really sorry.”
“I know.” My voice drips with frustration and rage. “I need some time, that’s all.”
“Okay.” She glances toward the mansion’s distant lights. “If I ride home with Zeke, you’re really fine driving Betsy back alone?”
“Yup.” Leave already.
She takes a few hesitant steps away. “Call you tomorrow?”
I ball my hands into fists and nod. If I say anything else, I’ll lose my temper for sure. Then Cissy’ll have a black eye to match the one I gave Zeke all those years ago. Cissy’s footsteps slop in the muddy grass, growing more distant with each stride. Soon they disappear altogether.
I jump to my feet. That freaking sonuvabitch Earl and his dippy daughter, ruining everything. The fires of wrath spark and coil inside me. Resting my weight on my right leg, I kick the bench with all my strength, breaking the wooden planks in two neat halves. That makes me feel better.
“Nice kick,” says a familiar voice. I scan the shadows, seeing a figure step into the clearing: Lincoln.
I’m pretty sure I gasp. Loudly. What in blazes is he doing here?
“Hello, Myla.” He rakes one hand through his brown hair. He left his crown back at the mansion. I have a feeling that means something, but I’m not sure what.
I grin from ear to ear. “Shouldn’t you be on Earth right now?” My rage melts away, replaced by a tingly feeling in my stomach.
“Why ever would I do that?” He smiles, and the butterflies in my belly turn rowdy. “That was the worst fake emergency I’ve ever seen.” Switching his stance, he scopes out my dress, or lack thereof. “Looks like there was more to their master plan, though.” He lets out a puff of air. “I’ll be honest. I didn’t see that coming. Rather elaborate scheme, don’t you think?” His gaze rakes over my backside, desire flaring in his eyes. “Not that I’m complaining.”
The fire in his eyes rouses my lust demon. She purrs inside me, pumping heat through my veins. Then I remember what’s written on my ass. Ugh.
“No fair peeking.” I spin about, trying to cover my bum with what’s left of my dress. Not that I mind Lincoln checking out my butt so much, but the CUNNUS sign is a little awkward. Okay, a lot awkward.
“They did us a favor, you know.” He taps his temple. “That’s why I played along.”
I roll my eyes and chuckle. “I’m so sure.”
“Think about it. We could have spent a few hours at the ball, irritating certain people. But this way, we can be alone.” He steps closer. “It’ll be some time before they figure out I’m not on Earth.” His full mouth winds into a mischievous grin. My insides get all gooey. “Want to get in trouble?”
Yes and no. “I’m not going anywhere dressed like this, except home.” No way am I walking around the mansion grounds with CUNNUS written on my bum. The entire thrax nation is lurking nearby, not to mention Cissy, Zeke, and his parents. Nuh-uh.
Lincoln purses his lips. “So, if you had something to wear, you’d be interested in a little stroll?”
“I would.” Not sure where he’s going with this.
Lincoln leans forward, pulling his velvet tunic over his head. “This should work fine.” He only wears silver chain mail over black leather pants.
“What?” I poke at the long over-shirt with my finger. “You want me to wear that?”
“Why not? You’ll be covered.” He winks. “Mostly.” Extending one hand, he offers me the garment.
I eye it carefully. It could actually fit me pretty well. I screw my mouth onto one side of my face. “Where would I change?”