No one wanted Lila’s opinion; in most cases, she was forbidden to have one, much less voice it.
Swallowing, she managed, “That’s very amusing, but flattery will not win you another kiss.”
“Come on, you know I wouldn’t compliment you if it wasn’t true.” Luc smiled.
Instinctively, Lila parted her lips, but she couldn’t deny his statement. She found she had nothing to say. No answer.
Did he really think that highly of her?
Or was it possible that the chosen angel was lonely? Did he want someone to throw around ideas with that badly?
Come to think of it, that gave her an advantage.
And just like that, Lila found her voice again.
“I’ll say ‘yes’ on one condition.”
Luc inclined his head.
With more firmness, Lila continued, “You teach me everything you learn in the architect program.”
Luc frowned.
“You can’t use it.”
“Well, where’s that endless imagination of yours now? I want toknowit.” The words trembled deep in Lila’s throat, rising from the ache in her stomach, the endless pit of her longing to find something she desired that wouldn’t be denied her.
Luc worked his jaw, considering.
“All right,” he agreed, “I suppose you’ll be more helpful that way.”
“I want to learn metalworking too. I took the beginner classes, but I want to learn the rest of it. I want to knoweverythingyou know.”
“I know an awful lot,” Luc supplied doubtfully.
“I can learn it.”
“On top of woodworking?”
“Yes.” Lila smiled. “I’ll even be better than you.”
Luc scoffed.
“Deal?” Lila stuck out her hand, and he studied her a moment, cracking his neck.
“Deal.” Taking her hand, he guided it down to her side and smiled once more. “I’ll take my kiss now.”
“Of course, you will.” Lila pressed her hand to his chest. “But not so fast. What’s this project I’ll be helping with? Isn’t it fair that I know what I’m getting into?”
“It’smyproject.” Luc laughed like she was being silly. “Doesn’t that tell you all you need to know?”
“No.” Lila crossed her arms. “Sell it to me.”
“We already have a deal.”
“Sell.” Lila smiled. “Or I walk.”
Luc gave her a stare of disbelief; he looked like he might argue further, but he sighed instead and told her to meet him at the Void.
