Brooke (Under the Never Sky, #2.5)(15)

Hayden lifts an eyebrow. “If home is where a person finds sanctuary and peace, then this place has never been that to me.”

His tone is surprisingly somber. What was it like for him to look after two younger brothers out here? Did he worry about Hyde and Straggler constantly, like I worry about Clara?

He smiles at me suddenly. It’s a cover-up grin, like Clara’s sunbeam smile. Like he believes he said something he shouldn’t have.

“Drink,” he says, handing me a water skin.

“Thanks.” I take it. I finished mine an hour ago. The leather skin is warm and damp from his grip.

“Don’t worry about being out here. It’s not as bad as you think.”

I take a long drink and hand the skin back to him. “I can stomach anything except lies.”

“Fair enough. It is as bad. But we’ll be safe on this hill until the wind carries the smoke away.”

I consider our position and see that he’s right. Our hill is small, but we have a few oak trees here that will give us some cover, and an unobstructed view on every side. No one will sneak up on us without earning an arrow between the eyes.

My gaze strays west. Clara is out there, inside the cave on the edge of the coast. I wish I could see her. All I see are plumes of smoke interspersed with glowing spots, where the flames leap highest. The Aether rolls in waves across the sky, looking so alive, so vibrant, compared to the earth with its scorching skin.

I don’t know whether it’s the sight of this war between earth and sky or the cooling of my sodden clothes that chills me, but I begin to shiver.

“You want me to get a fire going?”

That makes me laugh. “Would you? That’d be great.” I can’t think of anything I’d like less than a fire. The smoke has gotten in my hair. It’s all I can taste. All I can feel, in the tightness of my lungs. I feel like I’ve bathed in smoke.

Hayden gazes across the distance. “The wind is dying down. The fires will burn out soon. We’ll be able to get back by morning at the latest.”

That sounds overly optimistic, but I don’t say anything.

Hayden finds a smooth rock to perch on. “Come on. There’s room for you.”

“I’m fine,” I say reflexively.

After pacing around for five minutes, I realize he’s chosen the only spot on this craggy hill that’s halfway comfortable, but I’ve already made up my mind.

I plop down on the dirt a few paces away from him. A sharp rock pokes into my backside. I am cold, tired, and wet—and I smell like a chimney—but that rock is what pushes a string of curses out of me.

“Everything all right?” Hayden asks.

I can tell he’s trying not to laugh.

“Wonderful. How’s your throne?”

“Couldn’t be better.” A pause. “You’d be more comfortable over here, Brooke. And warmer.”

“Warmer? You want me to warm up with you? Do you really think I’m that gullible?”

“I was trying to be practical, but suit yourself. I have to admit, though, I’m flattered you don’t trust yourself around me.”

I snort and pick up a pebble to throw at him. My arm stops mid-throw.

Because of the natural curve in the rock he’s chosen, Hayden is leaning back, half-reclined. It’s a casual, relaxed pose. Comfortable. And I suddenly don’t know why I’m here in the dirt, when I could be there.

I hop to my feet and stalk over to him. “I will punch you if you touch me,” I say, sitting beside him.

“You have nothing to worry about. I’m no poacher.”

My heart stops for two full seconds. Hayden is watching my reaction, and I can tell he’s been waiting to say this for hours. Maybe since we left the cave.

“What did you just say?”

“I would never overstep. Especially since he’s my brother.”

“Hyde told you?”

Hayden shakes his head, his grin huge. “Hyde would never talk. I had a feeling, based on the smile that hasn’t left his face since you two came back this morning.”

“You and your stupid feelings! It was just a kiss!” It streaks me that I’m even explaining myself. I smack him on the shoulder. “I can kiss whoever I want.”

Hayden’s hands come up in defense as he laughs. “Of course you can, but that’s beside the point. All I meant to say is that I’m not interested”—he gestures at the space between us—“so we’ll be fine here.”

In an elaborate display of nonchalance, he crosses his arms behind his head and leans back like he’s basking in the sun. The smug smile on his mouth makes my blood boil, but I’m determined to play this the right way.

I lean back too, pretending I’m as comfortable as can be in my clammy, smoky clothes. As the minutes drag by, I can tell Hayden is disappointed I didn’t react to his comment.

“I told you not to lie to me,” I say, after five full minutes have passed.

He peers at me. “When did I lie?”

“Just now. You said you’re not interested, but that’s not true. I’ve seen you watch me.”

“Can’t I look at you?”

“Of course you can. It’s just the way you look at me that’s telling.”

“And how is that?”