Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(59)

Zavien batted the napkin away. “We need to counteract this rumor. Students believe stupid things all the time.”

Ivy pointed at Zavien. “Kiss Bryn. Let everyone believe you’re a couple. That’ll straighten this out.”

Holy crap. Was Ivy trying to help her or give her a heart attack?

Fingers crossed, she met Zavien’s gaze. “Do you think that would work?”

He sighed and ran his hand down his face. “I believe that would cause a new set of problems for both of us.”

Disappointment settled in her stomach, or maybe it was the pancakes.

For the rest of the morning, she ignored sideways looks and rude comments from other students. By the time she reached Basic Movement, she’d had enough and went to confront the source of her irritation. Jaxon stood in line at the joust.

“Why are you spreading stupid rumors about me? Don’t you have anything better to do?”

He gave her a look of smug superiority. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

Fists clenched, she said, “Clint and Ivy are a couple. I’m their friend. End of story.”

“Come to think of it, I did hear you were trying to steal that poor girl’s boyfriend. Can’t say I’m surprised. It’s no secret the Directorate won’t allow you to marry.” He laughed in her face. “You’re not fit to breed.”

Flames crawled up the back of her throat. It would feel so good to blast him with a giant fireball. But that would be wrong. Sort of. She thought about snow, and the fire receded. Still, smoke drifted from her lips as she spoke. “My mother felt the same way about your father.”

He moved closer, using his height advantage to tower over her. “You’re destined to be alone. It’s not like anyone would offer to be your benefactor. No self-respecting dragon would want a mutt like you.”

“Wrong. One of your Clan already offered me a villa in Italy.” The words popped out of her mouth before her brain was fully engaged.

Jaxon staggered back a step. Frost shot from his nose.

“For your information, I turned him down. I don’t poach boyfriends or husbands. Say whatever you want about me. Every rumor you start just makes you look pathetic.”

While everyone stared, she stalked off. Smoke shot from her nostrils with every exhalation. Why had she told him that? He just made her so mad.

In an effort to burn off the anger surging through her system, she found a free treadmill and ran until her legs were numb. When class was over, she showered, dressed, and met Ivy by their lockers.

“Are you okay?” her friend asked.

“No. But neither is he. That makes me feel better.”

At lunch, Zavien sat beside her and placed two pieces of chocolate cake on her tray.

“I thought you’d be mad.”

“You took a stand,” he said. “From what I hear, you won the face-off.”

“I didn’t mean to mention Italy. He made me so mad that it slipped out.”

Zavien placed an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into his warmth and inhaled his summer rainstorm scent. God, she loved that smell. The knot in her stomach loosened.

“Lots of Blues have villas in Italy. Jaxon won’t know who you’re referring to. It will drive him crazy.”

“Asshat,” she muttered.

…

Friday night, Bryn went to Fonzoli’s with Clint and Ivy. Keegan and a few of his friends sat at the next table. Before long, they pushed the tables together into one noisy group. Valmont checked on them regularly and delivered a free round of lemon ice.

“What’s the Green dorm like?” Keegan asked.

“The dorm is nice.” She didn’t want to gossip about the Clan who’d taken her in.

Keegan poked her shoulder. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“The Greens are nice, but they aren’t social. Does that make sense?”

“Do you hang out in the lounge?” he asked. “I heard they have nice pool tables.”

“I haven’t checked it out yet.” Inspiration hit. “Do you guys want to come back after this and play pool?”

Keegan looked at the other Reds. “Can we do that?”

“Clint and Ivy visit. I don’t know why you can’t.”

The other Red dragons gave vague excuses why they couldn’t come.

Clint glared at them. “Ivy and I will check out the pool tables with you.”

“I’ll come, too,” Keegan said.

When they walked into the lounge, the dark-complexioned students gave them odd looks. Several pool tables were free. It wasn’t like they were intruding.

Keegan racked the balls. “How about Bryn and me against you two?”

Clint passed Ivy a cue stick. “You’re on.”

“You should know I suck at pool,” Bryn said.

“That’s such a girl thing to say.” Keegan chalked his cue. “Guys pretend to be good at everything, even if they’re not.”

Bryn rolled her eyes. “Fine, I’m the grand master champion of pool.”

“Much better.” Keegan gestured toward Clint. “It’s your break.”

Clint made a decent break and sunk two striped balls.

When Keegan took his turn, he sunk four balls in a row.