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If Linton didn’t tell Hayden personally, Hayden had less chance of being detected. I think I did okay at hiding my relief — not to mention my surprise that he hadn’t brought up the whole kidnapping fiasco. He was probably saving it for our meeting after school.
Now that Hayden was off the hook, he’d have little, if any, interaction with Fawn or the principal. I could tell Hayden what he was. I smiled, imagining his reaction at learning he had powers, like me. Once Hayden became comfortable with his abilities, Chait would never again wonder who’d win in a fighting match. Hayden would, for sure. Wait. Maybe that wasn’t good for Hayden to know.
I didn’t have a choice though. Hayden had to be told.
At lunch, I masochistically sat where I could watch several girls sit with Hayden, Brad and Skyler. A scan of the cafeteria told me the location of my new guard. A blond guy. Kind of cute. He was the only new student and he’d shared all my classes so far. He was very good at his job because I could never quite tell that he was watching me.
I didn’t need a guard. Not that I wasn’t in any danger, but both sides had told me that the real threat wouldn’t arise until I chose sides. More likely, the guard was a spy to keep them informed of my activities.
By the time Nadia and Cori
“Where have you been all weekend?” Nadia took the spot next to me.
“I called four times. I was getting worried about you.” Cori
I couldn’t tell them that two rival sorcerer groups were vying for my affection or that I’d been kidnapped. Although I had to admit, describing to them how Hayden rescued me would’ve been fun. But the only truth I could give them was that I’d spent the entire weekend with Hayden. Knowing my friends, they’d get their hopes up that I might snag the hottest catch in school. I had to present it in such a way that Hayden didn’t look like a hero or I’d never hear the end of it.
“Hayden monopolized me all weekend. I think he’s trying to pull a Blane.” I gave a little snort for emphasis, hoping they’d buy it.
“All weekend?” Cori
Nadia’s leaned in. “Tell us everything.”
“We weren’t making out or anything.” I set my burger down and gave them my somber face. “We trained at that karate studio on Fifth, then hung out after. I can’t imagine him actually being serious about me, can you?” I held up hands out in an empty gesture.
“I guess not.” Cori
Nadia dejectedly unwrapped her sandwich. “Are you sure he’s not maybe a little bit sincere?”
“How long have we been exposed to Hayden and his friends?” I asked.
“When you put it that way…” Nadia sighed. “What a waste of a royally hot guy.”
Good. They were buying it. Though I hated lying to my friends.
“Speaking of hot guys, what was the deal with the dude at Delia’s Saturday night? I almost fainted when I saw him.” Cori
“Oh, yeah, super cute.” How could I explain Chait? “I met him at the liquor store when I stopped for a soda and mentioned I was working that night. He showed up. Who knew?”
Hayden sat his tray down next to Cori
“Not at all.” Cori
I wondered what his friends thought about Hayden traveling in the wrong social circles. But those thoughts deserted me when I saw Brad zero in on, then move toward the same boy he’d pushed around last week.
“I’ll be right back.” I darted in front of Brad, blocking him from his destination two tables away. “Hey, Brad.”
He beamed. “Hey, Tessa. Tired of Hayden already?”
“Actually, I’m doing a favor for a friend and wanted to ask you something. It’s for a paper she’s doing.”
“Sure. Ask.”
I smiled. “Let’s just say you did something unspeakable, something so vile you would never tell a soul.” That was all I needed to say before his mental pictures rushed me and I had the ammunition I’d hoped for. “For instance, if it involved hot oil, duct tape and getting robbed by a prostitute. You wouldn’t want anyone to find out, right?”
He stared at me, mouth open, shaking his head.
I smiled sweetly. “I didn’t think so. So I’ll tell you what — never let me hear of you bullying anyone, and I mean anyone, ever again or that story goes public. Got it?”
He nodded, wide eyes fixed on me.
“I thought you’d see things my way. Have a nice lunch.” I patted him on the cheek.
Hayden was still watching Brad when I reclaimed my seat. “What the hell did you say to him? He looks terrified.”
“I saw him eyeing that boy again. You know the kid he always steals from when you stand by and watch?” I raised my brows, emphasizing the last words to make sure he got how I felt about it.
Hayden blew out a breath. “I’ll say something next time, okay?”
“Too late. I already fixed it. When someone’s in trouble, they shouldn’t have to ask for help. It’s called compassion.”
“You didn’t have to ask for help over the weekend, did you? Damn it, Tessa. I’m trying, okay?” He averted his gaze and brooded.
“Only because you want to sleep with me. That poor boy doesn’t have the same body parts, so no one thinks about him.”
He stared at his tray a moment, then stood. “Forget it.”
Nadia’s eyes followed his retreating figure. “Wow, what was that all about?”
“Damn, you really like him, don’t you? Pity the fool you fall in love with.” Cori
“Cori
“I don’t know, Tessa,” Cori
Cori
Time to ’fess up. I glanced from Nadia to Cori
Nadia covered my hand with hers. “He probably will break your heart,” she said solemnly, “but think of the wild ride getting there.”
I laughed. “You have no idea.”
“Does that mean he kissed you again?” Cori
“He kissed me twice total. That’s it.”
“Sounds tasty.” Cori
“Yeah, Tessa, it’s not life or death. Date him, have a good time. If it gets weird, dump him. It won’t make you a slut or a horrible person.”
“You guys don’t understand. If I do that, I’m going to sleep with him. I won’t be able to resist. It’s like… inevitable.”
“Oh, no.” Nadia’s hand flew to her throat. “That would be awful.” She nudged Cori
“I don’t want to imagine such a thing.” Cori
I snorted in a half laugh. “Okay, I get it. You guys are no help.” I spied the boys’ table. Hayden was watching me. “I should go apologize. Be right back.” As I approached the table, Brad turned away. That was as good as a guarantee he’d never hit on me again. Fine by me.