Page 28 of Axis of Fire

But my pride clearly didn’t care.

“Or better yet—walk around half-naked,” he added.

“Because even my abilities won’t be enough to deal with... whatever this is.”

I exhaled.

Forced myself to calm down.

Swallowed my pride.

Then reached out and snatched the small piece of fabric from his hands.

Holding it between two fingers, I turned it over in front of my face.

The thought that it might actually be some kind of “symbol” for girls obsessed with him made me feel sick.

“No one else has worn it,” he said.

Airis leaned against the wardrobe, arms crossed, watching me.

“So what? Should I feel honored to be the first?” I raised a brow.

“Going without anything is still an option,” he shrugged.

Our eyes met again.

“What? Finally found something that might impress you?”

“Confidence doesn’t really suit you.”

“I agree. That’s why I’m giving it back to you.”

I stared him down—

but at the same time, I was worried I might lose control and set something on fire.

“I should probably show you how the shower works,” he said.

He didn’t wait for me to follow.

But I did.

Because I really, really needed to get out of this half-burned shell.

******

From what I could tell, Airis preferred solid hygiene products.

With a ridiculous amount of oils—

all of which now clung to my skin.

I tried not to give in to the sensation, refusing to admit how much I liked the scent.

For a moment, I even suspected Airis had some ulterior motive when he decided to “teach” me how to use the shower system.

I thought he took me for a complete idiot—