Page 41 of White Hot Kiss
“Roth as in the retirement account?” asked Sam. “Is that what you’re named after?”
Dark brows inched up Roth’s forehead as he stared at Sam.
“Sorry.” Stacey sighed. “Sam has absolutely no social skills. I should’ve warned you.”
Sam’s eyes narrowed on Stacey. “What? That’s what retirement accounts are called—Roth IRAs. How can you not know that?”
“I’m in high school. Why would I care about retirement? Besides, who would know that but you?” Stacey shot back as she picked up a plastic fork, waving it in his face. “Next you’re going to wow us with your knowledge of plastic utensils and how they were created.”
“I’m sorry if your lack of knowledge makes you uncomfortable.” Sam knocked the fork away, grinning. “It must be hard living with that tiny brain of yours.”
Roth nudged me with his elbow. I nearly jumped out of my seat. “Are they always like this?”
I considered ignoring him, but when I glanced at his face, I found I couldn’t look away. Seeing him in the school cafeteria was beyond unnerving. I figured he just came to bio and then disappeared. Was he actually attending all day?
“Always,” I murmured.
He smiled as his gaze dropped to the table. “So what were you guys talking about before retirement accounts and the creation of utensils?”
“Nothing,” I said quickly.
“Eva Hasher—the bitch over there.” Stacey gestured with her hand. “She’s been talking smack about Layla.”
“Thanks.” I eyed the doors leading out of the cafeteria desperately.
“I’ve heard,” Roth responded. “So you were planning some sort of revenge?”
“Most definitely,” she answered.
“Well, you could always—”
“No.” I stopped him. “No revenge necessary, Roth.” I was pretty sure his ideas would buy me a one-way ticket to Hell.
He flipped a lock of hair out of his face. It wasn’t spiked today, and I kind of liked it like that. It made his face softer. Not that I liked his hair or his face or anything about him. “That’s no fun.”
Sam glanced at Roth, slipping his glasses back on. “You don’t know Stacey. The last time she plotted revenge, it included stealing a can of mace and a car.”
Roth’s eyes widened. “Wow. Hard-core.”
Stacey stretched in the chair, grinning from ear to ear. “What can I say? If I’m going to do bad, I’m going all out.”
This seemed to excite the demon, which was hardly surprising. I jumped in before he could say anything. “So...what’s everyone doing this weekend?”
Sam shrugged. “I was thinking about going to see a play at the old opera house. Since someone hasn’t scored me the interview of the century, I’m doing a piece on folk art instead. God help me.”
I rubbed my forehead wearily. “Sorry. I told you not to hold your breath. The Wardens are pretty camera shy, as you might recall.”
“Roth, did you know Layla was adopted by Wardens?” Stacey nudged me under the table. “Does that freak you out?”
I wanted to smack her.
“Freak me out?” Roth grinned. “No. I think it’s...epic.”
Slowly, I looked at him. “Do you?”
His grin turned into a damn near angelic smile. “Oh, yes. I admire the Wardens. Where would any of us be without them?”
I almost laughed. It sounded so ridiculous coming from a demon. But even though I managed to choke back the laughter, my smile appeared before I could do anything about it. His eyes met mine again, but this time the cafeteria faded away. I knew the world continued on around us, and I could hear Stacey and Sam bickering again, but it felt like it was just the two of us. A strange fluttering started in my chest, spreading through my body.