Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

His body leaned ever so slightly forward in her direction, as if he

couldn?t stop himself from trying to reach out and grab her. Jason

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playfully smacked his brother on the chest with far more force than

normal people like Amy and Gretchen could guess at.

?Rude?? Jason reminded Hector.

?Just saying hi to Helen. Hi, Helen. Helen Hamilton, hi. Get out

to ?Sconset lately?? he jeered.

?No, she hasn?t,? Lucas said from behind her. Helen spun around

and glared at him. ?And I would know,? he said so quietly there

was no way normals could hear it. But Helen could.

All of a sudden she felt like she?d had enough intimidation for

one day. Goaded on by the Furies, she took a tiny step toward Lucas.

She saw him inhale sharply, and understood in a flash that Lucas

had probably spent just as much time trying to scrub away her

scent after their little tumble in his front yard as she had spent trying

to scrub away his. The thought made her so happy she almost

laughed.

?Tell Noel the olive oil she sent was the best I?ve ever tasted,?

Helen said with a wicked little smile. She saw Lucas?s eyes snap

open a little wider with fear, and she knew she had guessed right.

There was something different about his mother. ?Anytime she

wants to try my bruschetta she?s more than welcome to stop by.?

Lucas made a move toward Helen, but Jason was suddenly at

Helen?s elbow, pushing her gently to the side as he forcibly pulled

Lucas tothe lockers. Helen took the opportunity to be on her way,

but she couldn?t resist one final jab before she left.

?Tell your aunt I said hi,? Helen breathed through bared teeth as

she passed Hector, mimicking his menacing tone perfectly.

She didn?t stop to wait for a response. As she sauntered down the