courtyard. The sun shone, illuminating the green grass and tulips planted along the Academy’s inner walls. It would have been peaceful if not for the noise in my head.
“So,” Nick said, stretching out on the grass. “Have we come up with a place to spar? I’m dying to test out my full power.”
I was nervous. I hadn’t yet roamed the Academy, but I was sure we wouldn’t find an isolated spot to train. Not without risking too much.
Jace sat down next to me. “Actually, I think I might’ve found a place.” I jerked my head toward him, eyebrows raised. “I was scoping out the gym yesterday, and there’s a basement underneath. Full of cleaning supplies and janitorial stuff.”
“You can’t be serious, Jace,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m sure the staff uses that. We’d be caught in no time.”
“Yeah, plus I don’t want to smell like cleaning products,” Lana said.
Jace smiled. “I thought about that,” he said, looking at me. “But I figured I’d check it out for a few days. See when they go down there, what their schedule is, and then plan around our blocks.”
I sat back on my palms. “What if there’s a cleaning emergency?” I asked. “Like a kid throws up or something.”
Nick laughed. “I highly doubt the staff would be called in for that.” He tilted his head. “We could do it late at night. Sneak out. No one would be summoned for a late night cleaning session then.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” Jace glanced at me. “I mean, we’re already rebels. Might as well add sneaking out to the list.” He winked.
I shook my head, laughing. “All right. Whatever. Count me in.” Then I held up a finger to him. “On the condition that you promise it’s safe.”
“I’d never endanger you guys.” He took my hand. My face flamed as Nick and Lana nonchalantly looked at each other, engaging in a private conversation. Jace leaned closer to me. “Can we go for a walk?”
Forcing in a breath, I nodded. Jace helped me to my feet, and we walked hand-in-hand through the courtyard. Shythe and Narcos were mixing together, practicing their power. I watched as a group of Shythe took turns sending bolts of Charge at a target. It was bizarre seeing Kythan so openly using their power.
“What?” Jace asked, threading his fingers through mine.
“I was just thinking how crazy it is here.” I glanced around. “We’re taught to hide our power. Here, people treat it like it’s a sport.”
Jace nodded. When we reached the other side of the courtyard, he leaned against the stone wall, bringing me close before him. He held both my hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over the tops as he stared at them.
“How do you feel about me, Dez?” He kept his eyes lowered. “I just have to know. Either way, you’re my best friend. But…I need to know.” He looked up into my eyes.
This was the moment of truth. How did I feel about Jace? I averted my eyes. My turn to stare at the ground. “I care about you. You’ve been like a brother to me my whole life.” I smiled to myself. “And I’m not blind. You’ve definitely gotten cuter over the years.” I glanced up, he was smiling. “But I’m not going to lie and say it didn’t completely throw me when you kissed me.”
Jace’s face fell. “I know. That was stupid. I…” He shook his head “I was lost in the moment. I thought you were there with me.”
“I was.” I blew air through my lips. “I mean, I care about you. I just don’t know in what way yet.” I looked at our joined hands for a moment before meeting his eyes again. “I don’t want to ruin what we already have.”
He cocked his head. “No matter what, Dez, I’d never blame you if things didn’t work out.” He brushed a stray hair behind my ear. “But I at least want to try.”
I bit my lip, thinking. What I’d shared with Reese was so intense, so special. Could that really be over? Just like that? He didn’t even give me a chance to explain before he tossed it away, ignoring me and going out with some other girl. How could I break Jace’s heart in this moment? If I’d ruined everything with Reese, and he was done with us, why did I have to hurt Jace, too?
“Okay.” I pressed my lips together. “But can we take it slow? There’s so much going on.