SEVEN
Unspoken Rule of the Fringes #33:
Chemistry is more magic than science.
CELINE
I can’t be attracted to him.
Riven agreed to work for my father, tormented me in the monster realm, and—this is the most important part—he isn’t fucking interested in me. I’m sure of it. Positive.So, why does it feel like a big, fat lie?
We leave the sparring room in silence.
My heart is racing, but I’m not winded. I’m hot and achy, and it has nothing to do with grappling and everything to do with the amber assassin who notices everything.
Riven won’t make eye contact with me, and I wonder if he could tell I was turned on while we fought. He tapped out and jumped away from me as if I was on fire. Something obviously upset him.
If Riven was into me, I would know it, right? His occasionalflirty commentsare calculated. Designed to rattle me. I recognize the strategy because I use it myself.
But when he broke my hold and landed on top of me, I felt something, and I can’t deny that. It was hot and needy and I wanted to get closer, even if it burned me.
You have other things to focus on, you idiot.
I turn to Gideon and Quaid. “Have either of you heard about any gateways to the celestial realm?” I keep my voice casual, but my question gets Riven’s attention immediately. A band of snowy static rolls over his features.
“Not me.” Gideon shoves his unruly curls back and shakes his head. “We were shocked to hear you were living in our territory.”
Quaid grimaces. “The hunters once had me track down a rumored gateway in Virginia. They were interested in disabling it or capturing an angel for questioning. I checked out the coordinates but found nothing.”
I activate enough of my magic to verify that he’s telling the truth. I’m surprised to hear he used to be part of the human cult that hunts supernaturals. I can only assume—given where he lives and who he loves—that he’s retired from that line of work.
“Did you notice any markings?” I ask. “The gateway wouldn’t have activated for you unless you had celestial blood.”
His brow pinches. “I took pictures and brought those back to the elders, but if I’m remembering correctly, they decided it was a rumor.”
I nod, my heart sinking. “No worries. I was just curious.” As far as lies go, it’s a small one, so I’m able to scratch my ear and disguise the flinch. I hope I’m as successful at hiding my disappointment.
Another band of static rolls over Riven’s face.
I ignore it and him, focusing on the problem at hand. There will be dead ends. I know that, but a concrete lead would have been nice.
We walk the rest of the way to our rooms in silence.
Quaid and Gideon disappear into their room and close the door. I wait a few beats to be sure before pinning Riven to the wall and wedging my forearm under his chin. “You didn’t hear me ask them about gateways,” I say. “Not a word. If it gets back to them, I’ll blame you.”
My hold is tight, but not tight enough to hurt him. Riven studies me steadily, and this time, no bands of static interrupt the glass-smooth amber mask covering his features.
“Heard what?” he asks.
I release him and wrap my arms around myself. He didn’t argue or fight back. He responded exactly how I wanted him to. Why am I cold? And why am I still standing here?Walk away, Celine.
“Is there something else?” Riven tilts his head. He’s the picture of calm, unfazed by being pinned to the wall. I have the strangest urge to tell him I don’t want to hurt him anymore, but that doesn’t make any sense. We were enemies before we became reluctant allies. I don’t have a clue what he is to me now, though. Even more unsettling, what the fuck am I to him?
“Why?” I ask, unable to help myself.
“Why what?” He adjusts his position against the wall, leaning as if he doesn’t have a care in the world.
I know better. He’s alert, incredibly so, focusing on me, my meaning, and how it might impact him. It’s familiar. Something you do when your survival isn’t guaranteed. You fucking pay attention because your life depends on it. It’s a learned behavior; one we obviously share. My stomach flips. I wish I hadn’t noticed.
