And maybe finding out exactly who’s behind his death will finally give me the closure I’ve been searching for.
But how on earth will I be able to get an invitation?
A shadow falls over us, bigger than the casual cloud. The scent is enough to know who’s behind it, and I stare up at Killian.
The sun casts a bright shadow on his face and dark hair that appears bluish under the light. The hard contours of his face mesh in a symphony of physical supremacy. And his black trousers and shirt only add to his immortal charisma.
I hate how beautiful he looks, but what I hate the most is the booming flutter in my chest upon seeing him.
Or the memory of his fingers between my legs.
Or how wet I was.
No, nope. Not the right thought to have in front of a monster who smells such emotions from a planet away.
Gathering my wits, I ask, “What are you doing here?”
“It almost sounds as if you don’t want me here.”
“Wow, am I that obvious?”
He narrows his eyes, “I can get any access card I want.” Then he slides his attention to Annika. “Time to go, princess.”
She stiffened as soon as he showed up, probably because of his relationship with her brother. “I have classes this afternoon.”
“That you won’t attend.”
“Ugh.” She glares up at him. “And why did you come to fetch me?”
“Volunteered.” He grins down at me and I wish I could become one with the ground. “I can let you stay here for a bit more if you invite me to your little picnic.”
“You can stay—”
Annika hasn’t even finished her sentence before Killian physically barges between us and steals an olive from her.
“Is that a homage to me? It’s even red.” He points at what I’ve been sketching—an unfinished portrait.
I slam my sketchbook shut. “Not everything in this life is about you.”
“Not in this life, no. But your life? Debatable.”
“I’m just…” I start to mumble an excuse to leave.
“Don’t be a killjoy.” He waves in Annika’s direction. “She only has whatever time I allow her, and then she’s coming with me to be imprisoned in her ivory tower for the night. You have it in you to cut that little time off?”
I purse my lips, then reluctantly stay. This isn’t for the bastard. It’s for Annika, who’s already looking miserable, her shoulders hunched and her movements sluggish.
“Can’t she stay in the dorm with us tonight?” I ask.
“No can do.”
“You guys are dictators.”
A lazy grin lifts his lips. “Is that so?”
“Yeah, the worst ever. Might want to check your ego with a shrink. I can refer you to mine if you want.”
He hums, the sound low in his throat. “You have a shrink?”