Page 49 of Deck of Scarlets
“Why? So you can escape?” A sly smile crept on his stupid face, a set of beautiful teeth mocking me. Under the fluorescent light, every detail, from his perfect nose to his strong jaw, forced my mind to wander a bit. His thumb absentmindedly caressed a patch of skin, shooting a zap of electricity up my body, accompanying a familiar sensation in my lower region.
Embarrassment flamed my cheeks, along with shame.
When I didn’t answer, Josh released his hold, catching me off guard, and spun me around, one of his arms wrapping around my waist, his lips barely an inch from my ear. “I’m putting you back to bed.”
I jabbed my elbow in his ribs, and a grunt tickled my neck. “Ow, that hurt.”
With a strong hold around my waist, he guided us toward the messy, vacant bed. “Lie back down and drink this.” Josh tossed the bottle of water at the foot, crossing his arms, standing to block any attempted escapes.
“This is ludicrous,” I muttered, accepting defeat and crawling back under the covers, leaving the water bottle where it lay. A silent protest for his rudeness.
When it became obvious that I would behave, Josh sat across from me on the other bed. “Are you sore?”
“No,” I grumbled.
“Hungry?”
“No.”
“Tired?”
I cocked an eyebrow. “What are you, a doctor? Because the last time I checked, your dumb ass was getting a degree in music.”
“Are you always this vicious when you wake up?” The mocking tone in his words sent a pillow flying to his face. Josh dodged it, letting it zoom past his head. “Or physical?”
“You’re insufferable,” I commented. One minute I wanted my hands around his neck, cutting off all air supply, the other, well, I wouldn’t entertain those thoughts now.
He winked. “I’ve been told before.”
Groaning with frustration, I tilted my head back toward the ceiling. Although his questioning did annoy the living shit out of me, I mentally said no to all, but I refused to give him the satisfaction.
“Is there a bug up there?” Josh asked.
Dirty looks were exchanged, and I would be lying to myself if I said his eyes didn’t stir something in my insides. No, Remi. Stop thinking of him in that way. “Why are you here? To harass me to death?”
His laugh was something to behold, light and easy to join in, and there went my rational thinking, out the fucking window. He needed to leave. I wanted air and space to think without these sinful distractions.
“Well?” I edged angrily, crossing my arms.
“The Aces usually go over the logistics, but long story short, I am your guardian.” He spoke in such a matter-of-fact tone that I almost threw the water bottle at his head.
“My guardian?” I repeated.
He nodded. “Yes. The correct term is Tutelary Saint. Saints are chosen at birth to train and prepare for the Scarlet that will be assigned to them. Some are not chosen right away. I’m to help you train in combat and—”
“Sounds like you’re my little bitch.” I snickered. If his goal was to be a cocky bastard, then I had no problem being a bitch back.
Josh glared, the muscles in his jaw tensing. “I get you’re angry, but these are dire circumstances.”
I rolled my eyes and said, “I highly doubt that.”
“My God, do you ever stop being so argumentative? It must be tiring.”
White hot rage burst through my core. “Do you ever stop lying?”
Josh looked taken aback by my accusation. “Why would I be lying about this?” He leaned forward with a serious expression. “What do I have to gain? Remi, we’re all fighting the same battle. Surely somebody from your family told you—”
“No,” I interrupted. “Nobody told me. Nobody even hinted at it. I’ve been living in the goddamn dark since my invitation. So, excuse me for having a hard time trying to wrap my head around this.”