Fire and Ice (6 page)

Sketchbook poised midair, I paused, waiting until I was off her radar and frowned. “What's that supposed to mean?” I whispered.

His lips curled slightly as though trying to suppress a grin. “I do wander everywhere, Swifter than the moon's sphere; And I serve the fairy queen, To dew her orbs upon the green.”

I bit down on my lip. “
A Midsummer Night's Dream
.”

“Don't look so surprised. I have my literary moments. And it's considered a classic for a reason.”

“It's one of my favorites,” I mumbled. It sounded like I was apologizing.

“Clearly… Not many girls walk around with their nose in Shakespeare when they're currently studying Chaucer.” He winked, handing me the charcoal he'd knocked from my hand.

I honestly hope my face wasn't as red as it felt.

Adrius slid closer to me. “So draw me something.”

“Sorry?” I repeated, certain I'd misheard him.

“From the book. Bring your favorite scene to life… in pictures.”

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, and cocked my head. “I don't think I can
draw
Midsummer Night's Dream.”

“When you read a scene you must have a picture in your mind.”

“Well, of course, but…”

“Then draw it,” he insisted. “…Unless you have some burning need to get back to the fruit?” He gestured with his chin toward the pedestal.

I was speechless — something that doesn't happen often, except around him. I'd never been in the habit of performing on command, and yet there was something in the way he spoke that made me want to prove to him I could do it. Or prove it to myself.

“Fine, but don't expect much,” I whispered, charcoal in hand. Pressing the pencil to the paper, roughed in a few lines, and from the corner of my eye I saw him smile before returning to his own page. It took a while, but then images flashed in my mind like scenes from a movie. My hands flew fiercely across the page, filling the pristine space with the world from my mind's eye. It wasn't my usual, loosely formed scribbles, but the detailed, richness of a skilled artist years beyond my talent. A short time later, I slid my book in front of him and waited for his response. His gaze centered on my page, studying every detail. Finally, he handed it back to me and without a word, showed me his drawing. The pencil fell from my hand onto the floor and rolled under his chair. I gasped. His drawing was almost an exact replica of mine, the same scene of fairies dancing and playing music in a forest, except he had drawn a slightly different feel, darker, more foreboding.

“Wow, now that's a coincidence.” I gaped, taking in the sensuous lines of his nymphs.

“Is it?” His smile hinted that perhaps it wasn't.

I stared at him, puzzled at the prickling inside me. Was it fear or excitement? I glanced down at my paper, staring at the now foreign drawings there. It was like looking at someone else's work —
His
work.

“Miss Alundra.” An operatic shrill rang through the art room. “Perhaps you would like to share whatever it is that is so fascinating for the entire class to appreciate, since you've taken it upon yourself to disrupt the creative flow with your chatter.”

Brianne flashed an evil grin. “I agree, Mrs. Burnstin. Lorelei is
such
a talented artist, I think we'd all like to know what she's doing.”

Everyone gawked at us and I felt the color drain from my face. Never mind I wasn't actually working on our assigned project; the last thing I wanted to do was share anything with anyone here, least of all Brianne. My sketches were intimate, private pieces of my soul. It was hard enough letting Adrius see them. She might as well have asked me to read my diary to the class. In fact, that would have been preferable. I was mentally calculating how many hours of detention she was going to slap me with for refusing her request, when a velvety voice interjected.

“I apologize Mrs. Burnstin. I asked Lorelei a question. It's my fault the creative flow was disrupted,” Adrius said smoothly without a trace of sarcasm. He was good.

Watching her reaction was like watching a car crash, disturbing to look at, yet impossible to turn away from. Her hands fluttered around her flowered neckline, her ample chest heaved up and down and her head tossed in a way that was supposed to be flirty, but looked more like she was having a seizure.

“Oh now, don't you worry about it, Mr. Thanduir,” she cooed. “You're
new
. Of course you have questions, dear.”

He smiled, and I thought she might actually drop on the floor in convulsions.

“If you would like to stay after class, I'd be happy to make myself available to you for extra help.” The hopefulness in her voice bordered on desperation.

Abby tossed a note at me which landed next to my desk.
She
probably wants him to pose for her next still life… in the buff
. I wrinkled my nose and crunched the paper up, before he could see it.

“Thank you, but I'm fine, Mrs. Burnstin. Lorelei has been of great help.”

“Well, good then,” she said, clearing her throat. She was clearly as disappointed as Brianne. By the time his little theatrical exchange was done, I was ready to give a standing ovation.

His gaze returned to mine and I quickly lowered my eyes. Once again, he handed me my pencil. I thanked him without looking up.

When class was finally dismissed, I'd done less than the minimum amount work required to get through art class. Way too much distraction. I threw my stuff into my backpack and looked up just as Brianne stepped into my line of sight.

“So Lorelei, you ready for the performance tonight?” Except for when she was singing, she had a sickly sweet voice as unmistakably phony as the fake sugar in those pastel packets… probably just as carcinogenic too. She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder.

“As ready as I'm going to be,” I replied without looking up.

“Too bad you'll be all alone… no shoulder to cry on, when… you-know-what happens.”

“No, actually, Brianne, I
don't
know what.” I stood, facing her head on.

A slow malicious smile spread across her annoyingly smug face. She lowered her voice.

“
What
is you falling flat on your butt… in front of an audience… Do you seriously think I'd just forgive and forget? I only wish you weren't so pathetic and actually had a date for a change. It would make my victory that much sweeter.” She folded her arms across her chest.

An arm draped across my shoulder.

“Actually, she has a date.” Adrius grinned at Brianne, and then at me. “I'm still picking you up at six sharp… right?”

“…Um… sure…”

Brianne looked like she'd been slapped. I admit it was enjoyable watching her try to process how the hot new guy could possibly be going out with me. Her mouth gaped opened, but nothing came out.

“See you later, Bri. And good luck tonight.” He winked as she stumbled away speechless.

It was the first time I ever saw her look clumsy.

My sharp-eared, best friend Abby, bounded across the art room and pulled me aside. “Excuse us for a minute.” She beamed at Adrius while yanking my arm. If there was anything that resembled hooking up going on, Abby knew about it. She had this unexplainable radar that honed in on anything romance-related. Plus she could spot which guys
played for our team,
as she put it, and which ones didn't. Between her radar and
gaydar
, she almost always had the when-where-why scoop on who was doing-what-with-whom.

She peered at me from round, dark eyes set in her coffee-skinned, pretty face; her long black hair was held back with a wide hair band. “So? What's the deal? You're going out with the new guy?”

“No, I'm not, it was just… he was just being… nice. He wasn't serious.”

Abby crossed her arms then rolled her eyes. I took a deep breath and braced myself, because I knew a lecture was coming.

“Of course he was serious. You're not actually going to turn him down are you?”

I stole a glance at Adrius who was meticulously collecting his books and placing them in a designer leather messenger bag.

“I haven't decided.”

Abby exhaled a long, disgusted
Are-you-insane?
sigh. “What is
wrong
with you girl? You do realize you could possibly be turning down an opportunity to lose it to the hottest guy in this town…” She glanced appreciatively at him. “…Possibly, in this country.”

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. “Okay — Abby? Don't be absurd. Even if I do go — I don't even
know
him.

“Ha! So you
are
going.”

“I didn't say that.”

“You didn't have to. I know you, remember? Now all we have to figure out is what you should wear.”

Adrius sauntered past us on his way to the door and deliberately slowed his pace.

Abby grinned and called over her shoulder, “I'm outta here. She's all yours,” as she disappeared out the door.

I looked up at him but wasn't sure what to say. “Thanks for the save. Again.”

“No problem.” He gathered his leather bag, slinging it over his back with a disarming grin. “So, I'll see you tonight.”

“You mean… you were serious? You don't have to…” My palms were sweating as I fumbled with the straps of my bag.

“I
want
to. Six p.m., right?”

“Right. But I'll be at my great aunt's place… I can give you the address.”

“I know where it is.”

“Of course you do,” I muttered shaking my head, not sure whether to be flattered or terrified.

The idea of us being together made no sense. This was the thought that plagued me as I dressed for what was going to be the worst event of my life. Not only was utter humiliation a sure thing, I now had an audience to witness my spectacular failure… A really gorgeous audience. I had to stop at home since nothing at Camilla's place was suitable, so I arranged to meet Adrius at the hall. Who would have guessed I'd need something to wear on a
date
. I'd packed for boring, which was usually what life offered.

The house seemed quiet… more so than usual, despite being accustomed to an empty house with mom gone as often as she was. But this was the first time she'd been gone on my birthday. I peeked in her room and then quickly shut the door. This was silly; why was I suddenly missing her so much? It's not like I was three. She'd be home in a few weeks, and I would no doubt get a happy-birthday-call tonight,
after
she'd given me the third degree about —
ugh
— the performance.

Fresh waves of nausea washed over me as I rummaged through my closet for something date-worthy. What exactly is the appropriate attire for falling on your face in front of the most gorgeous guy in school and half the town? Wonder if
Teen Magazine
has an advice column for that one.

Giving up, I slipped into a black sundress Mom had sent from Milan last summer, a sheer crochet scarf, denim jacket, and high-heeled boots.
Keeping it simple, right
? My hair had seen better days, but since the waves were more or less in control I left it loose. Jewelry wasn't really my thing, so I added plain, silver hoops earrings and Gran's charm bracelet. And after a quick call to Camilla to let her know where I'd be, I swallowed my nerves and headed to the auditorium.

Damp night air crept over my skin, as I huddled under the shelter of the canopy erected specifically for this event. Vehicles jammed the parking lot, a sight that did nothing to soothe my anxiety. When he drove up at exactly 6:00 p.m. sharp, I couldn't help exhaling a sigh of relief that he actually showed. In the back of my mind, I pictured the whole thing as some cruel joke… that maybe someone had put him up to asking me out… payback for dropping hot foam and cherry sauce on the cheerleader.

But the smile that greeted me when he opened the door melted all of my fears.

“Right on time.” I smiled as he crossed the parking lot in long strides. The amber lights made the sparkles dance in his eyes. He met my gaze, creating a déjà vu moment of the strength draining from my limbs, the way it had the other night at Lemon Balm. Technically, it was entirely his fault Brianne wanted to publicly humiliate me.

I stepped aside as his lean frame brushed against me to hold open the door. He looked and smelled amazing.

“You look beautiful,” he said, reaching out to tuck a curl behind my ear, before motioning for me to enter first.

“Thanks,” I murmured. It was impossible to ignore the spark that sizzled when his fingers made contact with my skin.

The foyer was shadowed in dim lights, and people milled about not ready to take their seats. I inhaled a sharp breath, feeling a new layer of anxiety gnaw at my insides. It was a strange sensation wishing for the night to be over and not wanting it to end at the same time. We checked our coats and Adrius handed the girl a huge tip. She gawked with a star-struck stare, but I don't think it had anything to do with the small wad of bills he'd handed her. The way her face flushed bright pink when he smiled… the nervous little giggle when he took the tickets from her hand; she was as dazzled by him as I was… as every girl who caught sight of him was.

“Lorelei!”

I pivoted toward a voice as pleasant as nails grating across a chalkboard. She strode toward me like the hall was her personal catwalk, decked in a clingy, low-cut black and red designer number.

“Brianne.” I greeted her, self-consciously adjusting my dress. Somehow I always felt totally eclipsed when she was around. Given the circumstances, mustering even a fake smile for Davin's sake was impossible.

“You
came
.”

She couldn't have laid it on any thicker.

“I didn't really have much choice,” I mumbled. If ready-to-wear-Barbie had been even marginally clued in, she'd have picked up on the thinly veiled loathing in my voice, but as was typical, she was oblivious. “Hi, Davin.” I turned my attention to him, avoiding eye contact with Brianne.

“Hey,” he replied, but he looked right past me, his gaze fixed squarely on Adrius. “Have we met?”

“Davin, this is Adrius.” I gestured, taking any excuse not to talk to Brianne.

“Nice to meet you, man.” Adrius extended his hand, which Davin shook stiffly, without a word.

“And this is Brianne,” I added when she'd cleared her throat for the third time. When he shook her hand she wrapped her perfectly manicured fingers around his and refused to let go.

“Art class… You're the new guy, right?” she oozed.

Adrius nodded.

Brianne tossed her hair, the ends sweeping across my face. “Well, if you ever need extra help, with
anything…
I'm always available.” She was batting her lashes so fast it looked like she was swatting flies.

“Really…” Adrius stared back at her.

“
Really
,” she gushed in a throaty purr.

He narrowed his eyes and stepped closer to me, circling his arm around my waist. “I don't know. Lorelei, do you think after all of your extra help, I still need more?” His cheek brushed against my hair.

I shook my head, biting back a laugh as Brianne switched from flirty to ticked-off in two seconds flat.

Davin wouldn't have been impressed, if he'd noticed any of it. But he was still staring hard at Adrius. The glare lingered a second longer, then he gave me a confused frown. “So, are you two… together?” He pointed two fingers at us.

Tongue-tied, I glanced up at Adrius, feeling my face grow warm. “Um…”

“Yes. We are,” he answered, without hesitation. “And we should probably get inside to register. You ready, Lorelei?”

“Ready as I'll ever be,” I said quietly, offering a Davin a thin smile. “See you later.”

I reached for Davin's hand. Before I could touch him, Brianne wrapped her arms possessively around his neck. With a frustrated grimace he untangled them, pushing her arm away, but his finger caught on her wire bracelet, tearing his skin.

“
Ouch
. Why do you always wear that thing? It's forever making me bleed.”

I grabbed hold of his hand before I noticed the gash. His index finger pulsed beads of crimson liquid from an inch-long tear. Suddenly, my head grew fuzzy. The room blurred, and I swayed, knowing what would come next. Even with Adrius's arm around me, I dropped to my knees, which was always preferable to falling from a standing position… less chance of breaking something, again. Of course my cracked rib had healed overnight that time. But still, it hurt like crazy.

“Put your head between your knees.” A firm hand was pushing the back of my head. I knew that voice, but it was distorted… too difficult to make out, and I didn't dare look up. If Davin's finger came any closer, that would be it. Too late. The smell washed over me, like sea salt and rusted boats. Everything faded as I felt what little strength I had give way, completely.