Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(41)

“Only the coolest people.” Clint knelt and placed a silver bracelet around Ivy’s ankle.

A smile spread across Ivy’s face. “Are those leaves?”

“I thought they’d match your tattoo,” he explained.

Not wanting to intrude on their moment, Bryn walked over to a counter and leaned against it while she unclasped the anklet. The key slid onto an existing charm holder.

“Find something you liked?” Talia asked.

“I did.” Bryn handed over her credit card, hoping it didn’t cost too much, and returned the bracelet to her ankle. There, she didn’t need Zavien’s stupid gift. She could do this on her own.





Chapter Fourteen

Stretched out on the carpet in her dorm room, Bryn worked her way through a large pepperoni pizza from the café downstairs while she did homework. While it wasn’t as good as Fonzoli’s pizza, it wasn’t bad. When she finished her Algebra assignment, she reached for another slice of pizza and found the box empty.

“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”

“I’m not surprised.”

Zavien’s voice caught her off guard. She whipped her head around and growled.

His tie hung loose around his neck, and the top buttons on his pinstriped shirt were undone. He slouched against her bedroom doorframe.

“I came to apologize, again.”

Good thing the viselike pain at the base of her skull canceled out the effect he had on her hormones. She reached up to rub her neck. “My head is going to explode, and it’s your fault.”

He came closer and sat beside her. “Did I mention I give fabulous neck rubs?”

Of course he did. Jackass. She fantasized about beating him to death with her Proper Decorum book.

He kneaded the stiff muscles of her neck. It was bliss. She bit her lip to keep from moaning.

“I was wrong.” He worked his way down her neck to her shoulders. “You’re one giant knot.”

“I wonder why?”

“Sorry. Stupid thing to say.”

She growled. “Less talking, more massaging.”

“If I promise neck rubs for the rest of your life, will you forgive me?”

It was a tempting offer. “If I forgive you, you can’t lie to manipulate me.”

“I won’t.” He dug his thumbs into the base of her skull.

Bryn feared she might drool. She concentrated on staying mad. “You lied to me. You told me you only lie on three occasions.”

“I told you I—”

“I know. You lie to protect people from themselves.” There was no way he could miss the sarcasm in her voice.

“I do, but I won’t do it to you again. I swear.”

“What are the other two reasons?”

He dug his thumbs into the muscles above her shoulder blades, and the tension in her body drained away.

“Am I forgiven?” he asked.

His voice was disturbingly close. Warm breath brushed across her ear. He was manipulating her again. This type of manipulation she didn’t mind, but he wasn’t going to throw her off track. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Fine. I would lie to protect someone I cared about.” He worked his way back up to her neck. “The third reason you’ll never have to worry about, because it only applies to Black dragons. Are we okay?”

“I want neck rubs and cake.”

“It’s a deal.” He moved his hands back to her shoulders. “Am I allowed to make helpful suggestions on your behavior?”

“Not unless you want your new nickname to be One Ball.”

He laughed.

Her neck and shoulder muscles relaxed as the physical and mental tension drained off her body like water. “My head feels better.”

“See. I have my moments.” He dropped his hands to his side and stood. “It’s almost curfew. I should go. Your necklace is in the nightstand with your other jewelry.”

A happy warmth settled in Bryn’s chest as she watched him walk toward the window. It wasn’t until he’d gone that she realized he’d rooted through her drawers. What were the odds that he’d found her jewelry before he’d discovered her animal-themed underwear?

…

The next morning, she wore the dragon necklace to breakfast.

Ivy noticed right away. “Did you make up with Zavien?”

“He stopped by last night. I threatened him with bodily harm. He promised to bring me cake for the rest of my life. We worked it out.”

“You lead an interesting life.” Clint yawned. “Can you threaten my roommate for me?”

Dark circles stood out under his eyes. Poor guy. “I could try. Maybe you should buy earplugs or sleep on the couch.”

He leaned toward Ivy and rested his head on her shoulder. “Can I sleep on your couch?”

She kissed his forehead. “We’ll figure something out.”

A goofy smile appeared on Clint’s face. Bryn turned away to keep from laughing. As luck would have it, her gaze landed on Jaxon. He glared at her from across the room. She ignored the perverse voice in her head that suggested she blow him a kiss.

In Elemental Science, her name was on the board. At her assigned desk with the Reds, she found a black leather dog collar with metal studs. Jaxon and his friends snickered. Not willing to let him spoil her good mood, she grabbed the collar, walked over to Jaxon, and dropped it on his desk.