Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(103)

Her grandmother sat next to Lillith. The two women put their heads together and whispered.

“Stop that,” Bryn blurted out. Everyone stared. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. Let’s forget about the whole marriage thing. I’ll become a medic. I don’t need an arranged marriage.”

“This isn’t all about you,” her grandfather informed her in a superior tone.

She clenched her fists and considered throwing a tantrum.

Of course this was all about her.

Except…it wasn’t.

If she could maintain a civil relationship with her grandparents, then maybe her mom could reunite with them. She might have some support while she was at school. Her grandparents weren’t the warmest individuals, but they were the only extended family she had.

She’d never agree to an arranged marriage, but maybe she wouldn’t have to. It was possible the Directorate wouldn’t be able to find a match. More than likely, anyone she was paired with would raise hell and insist on another choice.

Imminent rejection made her feel better.

In an effort to make amends, she pointed at the bag by her grandmother’s chair. “Is that for me?”

“Yes. I had some clothes flown in,” her grandmother said.

“Thank you. I’ll go change.” She winked at Lillith. “Sorry to leave you on your own.”

Lillith grinned like a kid at Christmas. “I can’t wait to see Ferrin’s reaction.”

She loved seeing Jaxon’s mother enjoying herself. The fact that it was at Ferrin’s expense made it all the sweeter.

Bryn took the bag to the bathroom and tried on the clothes. Her grandmother must have no idea what she’d ordered. The jeans barely came to her hipbones, and they were so tight they appeared painted on. The hot pink shirt clung to her chest and ended above her navel.

What store did these clothes come from, Strippers R Us? No way could she wear these in public.

Sticking her head out the door, she said, “I’m sorry. The clothes are too tight.”

“If you didn’t eat so much,” Jaxon said, “that might not be a problem.”

Stepping from behind the door, she said, “I’m not fat. I prefer not to look like someone who should be dancing around a pole.”

Jaxon stared, openmouthed, which gave her a great deal of satisfaction.

Her grandmother blushed. “I must have ordered from the wrong store. Why don’t you change back into your pajamas?”

Bryn emerged from the bathroom, clad in her comfy PJs, to find Ferrin seated at the table, questioning his wife.

“Are you ill?”

Lillith shook her head. “I’m fine.”

He waved his hand toward her pajamas. “Explain your attire.”

A slow grin spread across Lillith’s face. “I don’t believe I will. Since our hosts don’t object, it isn’t an issue.”

Ferrin blinked.

Jaxon looked dumbstruck.

Bryn resisted the urge to clap.

Ferrin shook his head with disgust and then noticed Bryn. “I’m sure this is your fault.”

She smirked but didn’t comment. Reclaiming her seat, she waited to see what would happen next.

Her grandmother spoke to Ferrin. “Lillith had an interesting idea. She thinks the Directorate should check Jaxon and Bryn’s lineage to see if they’re a match.”

Ferrin jumped to his feet. “Over my dead body.”

The situation might have an upside after all.

Merrick cleared his throat. “You might want to consider how powerful your grandchildren would be.”

“Whose side are you on?” Bryn asked.

He raised his eyebrows. “You’d rather Ferrin continue to be rude?”

“Yes. If it keeps me from marrying Jaxon, he can be as rude as he wants.”

Ferrin looked at her like she had two heads. “You don’t want to marry my son?”

“Hell. No.”

He resumed his seat. “That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard you say.”

“Thank you.” She yawned. “May I be excused? I’m exhausted.”

Her grandfather nodded.

Bryn made a hasty retreat. She’d stop in her room and then search for Zavien. She didn’t have to look far. Zavien stood in the doorway of her bathroom. She ran to him. Bright pink lines decorated his bare chest. “Are you all right?”

Instead of answering, he pressed his lips against hers, circled his arms around her waist, and pulled her close. The heat of his skin seeped through her pajama top. Bryn slid her hands up his chest to rest at the base of his neck.

A low growl vibrated through Zavien’s chest before he pulled away.

“How’d you find me?” she asked.

“Medic Williams brought me to your room.”

She led him toward the sitting area and curled up next to him on the couch. “No. How’d you know I was at my grandfather’s estate?”

“I’ve checked for your whereabouts almost every night since I gave you the pen. When you didn’t return to school, I was worried.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “What happened here tonight? Why did Alec attack you?”

His fingernails grazed her scalp, and she cuddled closer. “It started with the explosion in the library.”