I shook my head. “Oh, no no no. I get to ask the first question.”
“Fine.” He ground his jaw.
“What was that getup?” I raised my eyebrows. “You didn’t think to tell me you were in the Narcolym Guard before?”
Reese’s eyes flashed. “I was just recently recruited.” He took a step closer. “Now tell me what all that was last night. What were you doing on the Council’s airship?”
“No. I’m not done yet. Why would they ask you to join and guard their ship right after a crazy announcement like that? Wouldn’t they want more experienced guards?” I watched his eyes, waiting to see them fade or deepen. Trying to gauge his emotions.
“I guess they liked my skills in our training course.” His eyes held their fevered glow. “It was my first night on watch. Lucky thing, too. Those guards were ready to sound the alarm.” He shook his head. “I somehow convinced them you’d just broken in, that I’d seen you, and we’d chased you off before anything was stolen.” He took another step closer to me. “Now, what did you take?”
I hung my head. “Nothing.”
“Bullshit, Dez!” He threw his hand in the air. “I risked a lot last night allowing you and Jace to escape. They’re still searching for you, by the way. So don’t think you’re off. But I want whatever it is you stole.”
I honestly didn’t think the scroll mattered. It had nothing to do with the Shythe or Narco plans, and besides, it wasn’t as if we had actually stolen anything. We’d put the scroll back.
“Nothing,” I said. “We didn’t steal anything. I’m sure once the Council goes through their inventory, they’ll discover nothing’s missing.” I leaned on my hands, trying to support my shaky legs.
Reese breathed out heavily. “They’ve already gone through everything. Nothing was found missing.”
“Well, there you go.”
His lips curled into a knowing smile. “I know you better than that. They may believe nothing was taken, but I have other theories.” He took one final step, bringing himself face-to-face with me. “And I know Jace was probably pretty damn upset about that announcement yesterday. When I saw you guys on the ship, I thought someone was planting a bomb.”
I tried not to move—not to reach out to him. He was so close. My brain couldn’t function. I smelled fire, leaves, and a hint of cologne—his scent—and I trembled, wanting to touch him.
Jerking my head back, I gathered my thoughts and met his gaze. “And what about that?”
“What?” He squinted.
“We both know the Councils have the result from uniting the races.” I studied his features. “I think you know more than you’ve told me. I think you know exactly what the Narcos are up to.”
His face fell. “Dez, I know about as much as you. Nothing.”
“I don’t believe you. Why are they doing this?” I pleaded with my eyes. “Tell me the truth! What are the Councils up to?”
Reese clasped my face, his hands hot against my skin. His eyes bored into mine. “I. Don’t. Know.” His eyes traced my face, taking me in. My breath caught as they settled on my mouth.
His hands heated and, before I could question his response, he pressed his lips to mine, hard. His kiss was demanding and hungry. I released a small moan and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Reese pulled back. “I can’t take it anymore.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I tried so hard to stay angry with you.”
I ran my hands through his hair. “Reese,” I pleaded his name. “I’m sorry. I never meant to kiss—”
“I know.” He looked into my eyes, and a small smile crooked his lips. “I’m an idiot.” He huffed. “A hothead.”
“Yes, you are.”
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple worked. “But last night”—he gripped my arms—“you scared the shit out of me, Dez.” His eyes searched mine. “I thought…When I saw you go over the side of the ship, I thought you were gone for a moment.”
We clung to each other like something was trying to wrench us apart. I couldn’t get close enough to him. Reese kissed my neck, running his hands along my body. He gripped at my clothes, inching his hands down my thighs, and lifted me into his arms. I locked my legs around him as he seated me on the desk. His lips met mine again, and he lowered me onto my back.
I was lost in the moment. I never wanted to stop kissing him. This was what had been missing. My heart swelled as Reese embraced me. His lips roamed over mine, along my jaw, over my chest. I closed my eyes, reveling in the feel of his body pressed against mine. Then his body tensed. He slowly eased himself off me and away from the desk. I flinched as the classroom door slammed.
I shot up, pressing my hand over my mouth.
“I was looking for my math text,” Jace said. “Looks like I found something much more interesting.”