Within These Wicked Walls(59)

“You look nice,” he said.

I glanced down at my long grey dress and sweater, nearly identical to the ones the snow had soaked through, except this sweater was a little too big for me and covered my hands nearly to the ends of my fingers. “What did you want to talk about?”

He opened his mouth to speak, wincing and closing his eyes briefly as Peggy called his name from the bottom of the stairs. He took a deep breath. “Yes, Peggy?”

“Esjay’s coach is here,” she called.

“Have a good time.”

“I’ll be gone past dinner, but I’ve already prepared it for you. It’s waiting in the kitchen.”

“Thank you, Peggy,” Magnus said, almost too sweetly. I smirked.

“Behave yourself while I’m gone.”

“I will,” he said, his expression full of mischief, and I had to stifle a laugh.

God forgive us, we managed to hold in our laughter until after she shut the door.

“I thought she’d never leave,” said Magnus.

I raised an eyebrow. “Why, what are you up to?”

“An entire day alone with you. And Saba,” he added quickly. “Of course. Love her.”

“I love her, too.”

“Yes, who wouldn’t. A maniac, maybe.” He fidgeted, and I could see a blush rising up his neck. “Although, I could’ve warned you she would start throwing snowballs.”

“That was incredible.” I felt my own blush rising. “More fun than I’ve had in a long time.”

“See? You can have fun without working.” He looked at me for a moment with the slightest of grins, and my heart swelled. “We can be friends, can’t we?”

“I hope so,” I said.

“I promise, I’ll do my best not to flirt.”

I grinned. “I don’t even think you do flirt, Magnus. You’re just … you.”

And “you” is wonderful, I would’ve added, but I didn’t want to encourage him. Not after I made him weep yesterday. My stomach twisted with the memory.

Magnus played with his sweater. I was surprised every one he owned wasn’t stretched out by now. “What about hugs?”

“I’m not much of a hugger.” I reached out and smoothed the crease between his brows with my thumb—I shouldn’t have touched him at all, but it seemed to happen without any thought. He closed his eyes, taking a slow breath. I wanted so badly to kiss him.

“You’re flirting, Andromeda,” he said, eyes still closed, leaning forward to relax into my touch. “You must control yourself.”

I tightened my lips to suppress a smile. “I just don’t like seeing you scowl.”

“So, no hugs, but this is acceptable?” Magnus pushed my wet hair behind my shoulder, his fingers tracing tingles over my bare skin. Instinctively I raised my shoulder against it, and he bit his lip, as if to keep himself from laughing.

I looked away to keep my wits. “On second thought, I see what you mean.”

“Are you saying I caused this beautiful blush?”

I felt my face grow even hotter but lifted my chin defiantly, raising my brows. “Your ego would love to think so, I’m sure.”

Magnus grabbed his heart dramatically. “Your vicious honesty sustains me, Andromeda. Never change.”

“Such sweet words,” I said with the slightest scoff, but it wasn’t scorn that made me turn my face away or tighten my throat with a sob until it burned.

“No good? Then tell me, how would you like your words?”

“As honest as mine.”

“Except not so vicious. I am a gentleman, after all.” Magnus laid a finger against the side of my chin and turned my head to face him and, despite my inner fight to defy it, I felt myself grin. “Now. What should we do with the rest of our day?”

A heavy bell echoed through the halls.

Magnus looked around, startled. “What was that?”

I raised my eyebrows at him. “Your doorbell.”

“Really? Blazes, that was scary.” He grabbed my hand as I moved toward the stairs. “Ignore it. Maybe they’ll go away.”

The only visitors I’d ever seen come to the house were Esjay and Kelela, and after this morning it seemed strange that they would be here. Unless … maybe Esjay wasn’t as unwilling to help as he’d claimed.

Maybe he’d sent a volunteer.

I gave Magnus’s hand an encouraging squeeze and led him down the stairs. Saba was waiting by the door, as if she expected trouble.

“I’ll meet you in the game room,” I said.

Magnus kissed my hand. “Don’t be long.”

I waited until he’d disappeared and then opened the door. I recognized the pink hair in a simple bun before the person, and then Kelela stepped inside without waiting to be invited, rubbing her arms.

I gaped. “What are you doing here? What happened to your party?”

“It’s not until tomorrow night. Esjay thinks I’m out saying good-bye to friends,” she said, buttoning her coat, tucking the collar around her neck.

“Does Esjay know you’re here?”

“He knows I’m seeing friends.” She gave me a direct look, like she planned to kill me if I ever told anyone those friends meant us. “If I do this, you have to swear you’ll protect me when the time comes.”