Exaltation (Insight #11)(54)

“That I would stop us from crossing the point of no return. That I could walk away from you and act like you are nothing but another empty moment in my life.”

This boy was in pain. Raven knew that. She knew it had nothing to do with her. Someone had ripped him open and this was what was left. She awoke him, or at least made him think back to the way his life was before the agony.

She had a good instinct about boys and knew the reason she saw him as a regrettable was because he was not hers, couldn’t be. Some girl had broken him, hurt him. His heart was still with her.

But…when in Rome…

“I don’t think she would want you to walk away. I think she’d tell you she never regretted meeting you, crossing a line with you.” Her hands squeezed his waist. “She might admit she senses how dangerous this thing between the two of you could be, too. But she believes paths are crossed because the souls need each other at that moment. Even if it’s just to get over something…or…wake you up enough to go back to where you want to be.”

Rydell lost his game right then. He was heavy into enchanting her, trying to figure out what this was, and when she said that, she pushed him to remember what he forgot on purpose—the emotions of his mortal life.

To fight claiming those memories once again he leaned in slowly and met her lips. Raven closed her eyes as she felt the gentle power behind them, as she felt the strength of them part hers and his tongue slid against hers.

Sin.

Right as Rydell deepened the kiss the heat between their lips intensified. Raven felt a strong vibration of vim in the air. Her eyes were closed but she could have sworn she saw a flash of light. Before she could question it he was gone from her arms.

Raven opened her eyes to find herself against the wall which was at least ten feet behind her. He was standing in the same place, looking at her with wide eyes.

Raven was humiliated. She had no idea how she was she going to explain this to him. What did he see? What did he feel? Did I do this? Did I lose control of my vim? Did I fly out of his arms? What was that light? Her mind would not stop racing.

“Are you okay?” he asked as he started to move closer to her.

“Good,” Raven said shortly. “Just,” she raised her hand to tell him to stop. She didn’t trust herself. Or any reaction her body might have. She didn’t want to hurt him.

“Don’t run,” he said in a deeply pleading tone.

Did he seriously just tell me not to run? Maybe he didn’t feel what I felt or see anything. Then again maybe he did...yep, you’re a witch.

Raven squinted her eyes closed. “You sure you’re not the one who wants to run?” she quipped dryly.

“I told you I couldn’t keep the promises I make to myself.”

“You think I’m a freak. I’m sure someone turned you on to the idea of trying to hook up with me. I’m sure your boy Dagen is outside wanting to know if I’m as off point as rumored. How far you got.”

“Why would you think that?” Rydell asked, as disgust filled his eyes.

“That’s what all boys do. Call me a unicorn or something.” Even the witch boys.

Rydell let out a slow breath. “I’m sorry…” His eyes shifted over her. “I went too far.” He meant it, too. He didn’t get this energy thing between them. How it was enticing and repelling at the same time. He sure as hell didn’t mean to scare her. It was clear to him she was still learning how to control the power of her soul.

He looked down and then turned.

Raven didn’t want him to leave for a thousand reasons and they were not all because she didn’t know what he may or may not have felt with that kiss.

She only meant to stride slowly toward him, but she was behind him in an instant. Her vim was out of control. And it was scaring her to death. She didn’t know what had triggered this but she was not a fan.

Rydell felt her behind him and turned. No shock, that she had made it there without a sound, was on his face.

“How come I get the impression that even though we’re speaking to one another we’re not having the same conversation?” Raven asked him.

“Because you’re a smart girl.”

There was not an ounce of teasing in his tone.

Raven heard the auditorium doors open. Soren, and all those working with him, must be done for the night.

“Was anything weird about that kiss to you?” Raven asked him bluntly.

His ice blue eyes moved to her lips for an instant. “Beyond the fact that every time you kiss me you run from my arms?”

“You’re going to break my heart,” Raven said under her breath. “You don’t think I’m weird? This isn’t some game to you? You’re for real about what is between us?”

It took him a second but he finally said, “I want to figure it out.”

Raven held his stare as she nodded once. “What kind of car do you have?”

It was a mood-changing question. A playful smile emerged across Rydell’s lips. “I didn’t take you as a materialistic kind of girl.”

“I’m not.”

“Then why did you ask? Do you need a ride?”

“No. They say it’s going to be too wet to race tomorrow, and I’m off, so that only means one thing.”

“Which is?”