Page 181 of Stormbreaker

Amery buzzes with news of another attack near the school the following morning. Another Keeper. The culprits have already been arrested, and the knowledge does nothing to settle the constant worry forming a knot in my stomach.

The Extinguishers have been seen everywhere. Roaming supermarkets and public events. Walking through the city. I consider asking Rook if we should call off our whole mission and wait for a less precarious moment to do this, but they’re closing in on us, and we’re running out of time.

When Rook and I woke this morning, we were still tangled together, and I can’t stop thinking about how he made me feel last night, nor his promise to “celebrate” once we’ve accomplished our task.

My cheeks heat as I absentmindedly stir my soup at the table in the cafe­teria where I’m sitting with Domino and Journey.

“Hello?” Domino snaps her fingers under my nose. “Earth to Poet?”

I look up, and both of my friends give me knowing looks.

“Do you have something to share with the class?” Domino asks, folding her arms. “Perhaps something about a gorgeous outcast from the Wastes?”

I can’t even pretend to hide it as a grin stretches across my face, and we all break into giggles. I shake my head and continue stirring my soup as they beg for details. A normal, everyday interaction like this is exactly what I needed to settle the anxious churning in my gut.

“Stop it!” I laugh. “I’m not telling you anything.”

“Just tell me he’s a good kisser,” Domino says. “He looks like he’s a good kisser.”

“He’s a very good kisser,” I say with another grin that I’m helpless to contain, and they high-five each other. They needle me a while longer, while I offer up a few details without invading Rook’s privacy. It’s nice to feel like they’re genuinely happy for me and aren’t just digging for gossip.

“So, we’re getting ready for the party in your room?” Domino asks.

“Of course. Go grab your things, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Perfect,” Domino says before they both leave.

After they’re gone, I try eating a few more bites of soup before I give up and head back to my room to find Rook pulling on a black velvet jacket embroidered with black detailing at the cuffs and down the front. He’s wearing fitted black pants and a tailored white button-up shirt with black boots.

“Hi,” I say, closing the door behind me and admiring how everything molds to the curves of his arms and legs. “You’re dressed already?”

He shrugs on the coat and buttons it up before spreading his arms and staring down at himself.

“How do I look?” He peers up at me with an uncharacteristically vulnerable expression.

“You look really good,” I say a little breathlessly. “Like . . . wow.”

He assesses himself again. “You think? I’ve never worn anything like this in my life.”

“Well, it suits you,” I say, leaning in the doorway and taking my time scanning him from head to toe, very obviously checking him out.

“Keep looking at me like that, Trouble, and—” he growls.

I meet his eyes. “And what?” I challenge.

He huffs out a short laugh. “And you’re going to be the death of me, aren’t you?”

I smile and drop my arms, crossing the room and stretching up onto my tiptoes to peck him on the lips. He cups my elbows with his hands.

“Thank you for all your help,” I say. “With the planning. For just being there for me the last few months. I blew up my whole life, and yet, I can’t help but think you’ve made that one of the best decisions ever.”

He offers me a half smile. “Poet, you have no idea how important this time has been to me. I—” He stops, inhales sharply, wavers about something in the flash of his eyes. “Tomorrow, I want to talk about a few things, okay? Stuff about my life, and more about why I’m here. There are some things you should know about me that I wasn’t sure I could share, but I think . . . I think I can trust you.”

“You can,” I reply immediately. “With anything. I want to know all your secrets, Rook. The dark ones and the happy ones. I want to know you.”

He searches my face. “I want you to know me, too, Poet Graves.” After another moment, he adds, “I’m going to meet with Edward to go over the details one more time. I’ll see you at the party?”

“I’ll be there,” I say. “I’ll be the one with the dress.”