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Aren doesn’t say anything I’ behind Paigefor Kyol and Lena, I presuht co for me, but not with Lena, who I’hts lining the garden’s walks

"We were just going to tell your sister congratulations, then step outside for a while"

Paige rolls her eyes "Amy’s on the dance floor Still She’s been on ht" She focuses on Aren, who I just so brilliantly labeled only an acquaintance, not a love interest or even a friend "Do you want to dance? It’ll spare you having to meet Bridezilla"

He’ll have to take his hands out of his pockets to do that, and one touch between hue won’t see the lightning, but she’ll feel it She’ll assule is evidence of their chein, she wouldn’t hesitate long before finding a place where they could be alone

"He’s germophobic," I blurt out

Paige raises an eyebrow and I wince That’s what I told her when she and Kyol first met and he refused to shake her hand

"Jesus, McKenzie What do you do, raid OCD support groups or so?"

This is why people think I’m crazy

"It’s just a coincidence," I say la for hilance at him, see his expression is just as unstressed as his posture, alut clenches when I follow his line of sight and see Kyol, dressed in a suit, holding Lena’s hand just inside the open glass doors leading out to the garden I’ether They look like a couple I never thought that when he stood next to Jacia Maybe that’s why I never suspected there was so between them Only a fae as beautiful as Lena can be a match for him, not someone like me, someone who’s plain and human

Stop it, McKenzie He’s here for you

Kyol has to be aware I’ beside Aren, but his eyes don’t leave the rebel He’s wearing what I’ve always referred to as his soldier’s face It’s hard as stone and impossible for h, being so near to the ballrooht, his posture confident, alh an electronics store without a hitch to his stride if I stood at the opposite end

That thought brings a small smile to my lips A fa unspoken passes between Kyol and Aren before Kyol turns and leads Lena fro at the departing fae, too

"She’s just a girl I need to talk to them I’ll be back in a minute I--" I al lately, there’s no need to hs "I still think you’re better off without him, McKenzie"

For the first tiives her one of his sexy, lopsided grins "I couldn’t agreeme a look that says she approves of hi about hih the crowd By the ti up my arm

Kyol’s not happy about that He kno it feels to touchwith Lena at the edge of the lower terrace, a rare scowl breaking through his usually impenetrable expression

Aren notices his reaction, too He stops before we descend the stairs, leans down close to "

I e not to shiver "Don’t provoke hiainst the sword-master I’m sure of it

He responds with a chuckle