the darkness of the cemetery as her eyes adjusted. There was no moon—or if there was, it was completely blanketed in cloud—and the burial ground didn’t have any kind of nighttime lighting. The gates would undoubtedly be locked, and she’d have to climb to get out if things did go bad.
She took a quick breath and ran toward whoever was in pain. Was it Navin? Maybe Demian had hurt him. Or perhaps Simon had caught him sneaking around trying to get hold of Newton. She should never have asked him to help her!
Spotting a crumpled shape beside a freshly dug grave, Donna jogged over, slipping on the frosted grass.
Whoever it was, he was lying dangerously close to the edge of the grave. She stayed a few steps away, just in case, and crouched down beside the figure. It wasn’t as though she couldn’t defend herself if it turned out to be some kind of con.
And then her heart stuttered as she realized that the person on the ground was wearing a familiar red and black biker jacket. He rolled over, a lock of black hair falling across one eye as he squinted up at her.
“Donna?”
“Navin!” She scrambled forward. “Oh my god, Nav. Let me help you. It’s okay, I’m here.”
He frowned and licked his lips, as though trying to pick his words carefully. He seemed disoriented and even a little afraid. “How did you get here so fast? I only just called.”
“It’s a long story. Let’s get you out of here first, okay?”
He focused on her for the first time. “I know you’re super strong and everything, but please don’t throw me over your shoulder. My manliness couldn’t take it.”
She choked on a sob, not sure whether she was laughing or crying. She was just so relieved to be with him again, and that he was okay.
“Donna?” Navin watched her with concern.
“Sorry, I just spaced for a minute. Seriously, let’s get you on your feet and worry about everything later.”
She wrapped her arms around him, using her strength to haul him into a sitting position. “Do you feel sick?” She checked his face anxiously. Maybe he’d hit his head. He might be concussed or dizzy or—
“You look beautiful,” he whispered.
Donna froze. “What?”
“You heard me.”
Okaaay. A concussion was starting to look like a very real possibility here.
Their faces were almost touching. She could see a cut on Navin’s cheek, and his eyes didn’t look quite right. Even in the near-dark he looked sort of stoned. His pupils were huge.
“Nav, I think you might be badly injured. Is your head hurting? I think—”
“I think you should stop talking,” he said.
And then he kissed her.
It wasn’t like when Xan kissed her. Those kisses were hot and wild and tasted of sunlight. Navin’s lips were gentle, uncertain. It was as if he was testing her—testing them—wondering if this was really happening.
At least, that’s what she was wondering. Donna was so surprised she stayed completely still, allowing the kiss if not entirely participating in it. She closed her eyes and leaned into him, just a little. Just for a moment.
Just to see …
His hand was cold on the back of her neck and he tasted vaguely of cloves.
She pulled away, cheeks flushed. Confused.
“Nav … ”
What should she say? Should she say something about the kiss? Maybe she could pretend it hadn’t happened. That might be best all round.
“Yes!” Navin shouted. He raised both hands in the air. “First base, baby!” He jumped to his feet. “Woo!”
Donna sat back on her heels and stared.
Navin was dancing, gyrating his hips, thrusting and crotch-grabbing Michael Jackson-style. “The girl is mine!”
Donna narrowed her eyes. Her nausea had returned, sitting like a heavy weight in her stomach. She had a very bad feeling about this.
Navin stopped thrusting and laughed down at her. “Oh, Navin,” he simpered in a high-pitched voice, “you’re so handsome. I never knew you cared. Oh Navin, your lips are so soft.”
Donna pulled herself to her feet, stumbling as the blade and the cup shifted inside the messenger bag. “Demian?”
“Bzzt!” crowed Navin. “Wrong answer, princess.”
She backed away from this crazy person wearing her best friend’s face. She touched her lips with her gloved fingers, wondering how she could have let him kiss her like that. She should have known it wasn’t even real. How had Demian fooled her? She was such an idiot.
“If this is your idea of a joke … ” Her voice trailed off. Actually, she didn’t think this was the Demon King’s idea of