Going Down in Flames (Entangled Teen)

by Chris Cannon

  She laughed. “Let’s go. I’m starving.”

  Zavien pointed to the remains of her breakfast on the table and feigned confusion. “What’s that?”

  “A snack.” She poked him on the arm. “Be nice.”

  He caught her hand and held on to it. “What’s the fun in that?”

  And he didn’t let go of her hand, and he didn’t stop staring into her eyes. And her insides were going all shimmery. Did he know what he was doing to her?

  Zavien blinked, and the spell was broken. He dropped her hand and gave her his normal friend-type smile. “We need to hurry if we want to catch the shuttle.”

  “Why don’t we fly?” Bryn asked.

  “The sky was filled with Blues on the way over,” Zavien said. “Garret probably mentioned he wanted to time your flights. I bet they’re waiting to race you again.”

  “They can wait all day. I’ll tell Garret we need to run trials somewhere private.”

  “Finally, she’s talking sense.” Zavien held the door open for her. She swatted his arm as she walked past.

  The shuttle arrived moments after they reached the stop. Clint and Ivy found two seats together. Zavien ushered Bryn toward the back where there were more empty seats. Her heart beat double time. Was he about to ask her to the dance?

  She slid into the row he indicated and sat next to the window. Zavien twisted in his seat to face her. “I wanted to speak to you about the dance.”

  Butterflies did aerial acrobatics in her stomach.

  “You shouldn’t plan on attending.”

  The butterflies crashed and burned. Her mouth fell open. She snapped it shut and glared at him.

  “I’m not saying you can’t go, but I don’t think you’ll be asked.”

  His words smacked her across the face. “You don’t know that.”

  “Asking a girl to the Fall Dance is like declaring an intent to petition for marriage. I know Keegan has been talking to you, but he won’t—”

  “Whether he asks me or not is none of your business.” She pushed past him and moved to another seat. Anger and embarrassment heated her insides to a volcanic level. Smoke shot from her nostrils with each exhalation.

  How stupid could she be? Zavien would never ask her to the dance. For all the neck rubbing and cake, and the little bit of flirting he did—if it really was flirting—he treated her like a child. He might be nineteen to her sixteen, but that didn’t give him the right to be a condescending jackass.

  When they pulled into the shuttle lot, she dashed from her seat and made it out the door before he could catch up. She stalked down the sidewalk, battling the fire inside her. Before long, the aroma of garlic filled the air.

  The sign for Fonzoli’s restaurant came into view. Lemon ice sounded wonderful. The thought of the frozen, tangy confection cooled the turmoil in her gut. She entered the restaurant and waited to be seated.

  “One, please.”

  The hostess gave her a look of pity. “Have a fight with your boyfriend?”

  “No, just someone who thinks he’s my boss.”

  “Sounds like my husband.” She led Bryn to a small table in the corner. “Valmont will be with you in a moment.”

  Valmont was as attractive as she remembered. His single dimple appeared when he smiled. Maybe she could take a knight’s descendant to the dance. Of course, that would mean asking him, which would be awkward and held the possibility of more rejection. Not something she could deal with right now.

  “Bryn, how nice to see—what’s wrong?”

  She obviously needed to work on her poker face. “I just had a fight with—” Who was Zavien, really? A friend, a mentor, someone who wanted to use her for his cause? She didn’t know anymore. Stupid, angry tears filled her eyes. She cleared her throat and looked down at the table.

  Valmont put a warm hand on her shoulder blade. “How can I help?”

  She forced a smile. “How about a gallon of lemon ice and a large spoon?”

  “There you are.” Zavien’s voice brought a low growl from her throat. Anger flared in her gut, and sparks shot from her nostrils.

  “You fought with him?” Valmont confirmed.

  She nodded.

  “Do you want to talk to him?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “You heard her,” Valmont said. “Leave. Now.”

  “We had a stupid misunderstanding.” Zavien attempted to move toward Bryn, but Valmont blocked his path.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Zavien asked.

  “I’m fulfilling my vow,” Valmont said in a voice of steel. “The lady doesn’t wish for your company. I suggest you leave.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Right in front of her eyes, Valmont had transformed from a good-humored waiter into a warrior with a will of iron. He still held a pad for taking orders, but his stance had changed. He appeared ready to do battle.

  Zavien retreated a step. “I was rude earlier, and I came here to apologize.”

  Valmont turned to Bryn. “Do you want to hear his apology, or should I throw him out?”

  While she’d love to see Zavien tossed out on his ass, she had no desire to put Valmont in danger. He was only human, after all. “I may not forgive him, but I’ll listen.”

  Valmont backed up and stood beside her chair.

  She touched his hand. “Thank you.”

  He wrapped his warm fingers around hers. “You’re welcome.”

  Warmth suffused her system. Valmont’s posture relaxed. “Do you still want a gallon of lemon ice and a large spoon?”

  “A bowl will do.”

  “Anything for you?” he asked Zavien in a less-than-friendly tone.

  Zavien shook his head.

  Valmont went back toward the kitchen.

  “Only you could bring out the latent powers of a knight,” Zavien said.

  Bryn flung a sugar packet at his head. “Get to the apology.”

  He caught the packet and set it on the table. “Ivy pointed out that I might have been insensitive.”

  “You think?”

  “My intention wasn’t to upset you. I’m sure there are males who find you attractive, but they may not ask you to the dance due to societal pressures. I thought you should be aware so you wouldn’t be disappointed.”

  It was still painful to hear but didn’t cut as deep as his earlier comment. “You should have said it that way in the first place.”

  Valmont appeared, bearing a bowl overflowing with lemon ice. “Did I mention my grandfather still has several lances? My brothers and I can hit a moving target at one hundred yards.”

  “Fascinating,” Zavien said. “Is there any other useless information you’d like to share?”

  Valmont tapped his chin like he was thinking. “Let’s see. I’m eighteen. My favorite food is anything Italian. If you upset Bryn again in my presence, I will hurt you. Any questions?”

  “No,” Zavien bit out.

  “Good. Glad we cleared that up.” He set the lemon ice in front of Bryn and then gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I’m here for you if you need me.”

  “Thank you.” Bryn ate her lemon ice and tried not to appear smug. By the time her spoon hit the bottom of the bowl, her mood was much improved. Valmont refused to let her pay. He escorted her to the door, shooting Zavien warning looks the entire way. The expression of disgust on Zavien’s face as they walked to the dress shop had her biting her lip to keep from laughing.

  In the store, they found Ivy modeling a pink dress for Clint.

  “Thank God you’re here,” Clint said. “She’s tried on six dresses and looked good in all of them. I don’t understand why she won’t pick one.”

  Ivy turned in a circle. “What do you think?”

  Bryn studied the ruffled dress. “I don’t know why, but that dress isn’t you.”

  Clint groaned. “A little help, Zavien?”

  “It’s best if I keep all thoughts to myself. Bryn has a knight.”

  Ivy clasped Bryn�
��s hand. “You have a knight? What happened?”

  “You remember Valmont: dark hair, blue eyes, one dimple.”

  “Yummy,” Ivy added.

  Clint and Zavien made noises of disgust.

  “Since Zavien was rude, again, Valmont refused to let him talk to me until I said it was okay.”

  “I can’t remember the last time a resident of Dragon’s Bluff took on the mantle of a knight.” Ivy’s excited tone didn’t make sense.

  “He could tell I was upset. He was being nice. What’s the big deal?” Once again, she was in the dark.

  “Help me find a dress, and I’ll explain.” Ivy pulled her toward the dressing room. Bryn found herself in a curtained-off room surrounded by castoff dresses. “Why doesn’t anyone hang anything up?”

  “Those aren’t mine.” Ivy undressed and pointed at the hook on the wall. “Pick a dress while I fill you in.”

  Bryn sifted through the dresses and pulled out a deep scarlet gown cut to resemble a toga.

  “The descendants of Dragon’s Bluff live their daily lives like normal people. The dragons provide everyone with a livable wage because they keep the secret of the school and help cover any dragon sightings. But there’s more to it than that. They still honor the vow to fight side by side with us if they’re needed. They promise to defend us if necessary. Valmont stepped up to defend you today. By being chivalrous, protecting you from a perceived threat, he activated the dormant spell, which resides in the blood of all the knights’ descendants who live in Dragon’s Bluff. He became your knight. Technically, he’s bound to you.”

  “He’s bound to me? Just me? Like he’s mine?” Talk about a bonus.

  “Yes, and no. He’s your knight, bound to you alone and sworn to protect you should the need arise. Any fantasies you’re spinning in your head aren’t his duty.”

  “I can dream. Can’t I? And there are those legends about knights and dragons falling in love.”

  Ivy laughed as she shimmied into the scarlet dress. It skimmed across her body and accented her curves.

  “That is your dress,” Bryn said.

  “Let’s see if Clint can tell the difference.” Ivy sauntered into the viewing area and batted her eyelashes at Clint.

  “You look amazing.” His voice was an octave deeper than normal.

  “Thank you.” She walked over and pecked him on the cheek. “Do you understand the difference now?”

  He nodded.

  Ivy returned to the dressing room and changed into her clothes. “Now we need to find you a dress.”

  “Zavien has explained to me twice that no male will ask me to the dance because it’s like proposing.”

  “You don’t need a date. You can come with us.”

  “Clint has been more than understanding about all the time I spend with you guys, but you can’t expect him to let me butt in on your date.”

  “What if someone asks you? Is there something in your armoire you can wear?”

  “You’ve seen my clothes.”

  “Pick a dress.” Ivy gestured at the castoff garments. “There’s enough on the floor for us to find one.”

  Bryn eyed a pile of copper silk.

  Ivy scooped it up and tossed it to her. “Try it on.”

  “You’re such a pain.” Bryn pulled her shirt over her head.

  “You need to lose the penguins.” Ivy pointed at Bryn’s bra. “I swear it’s like you bought your underwear from a Dr. Seuss store.”

  Once she’d shimmied into the dress and shifted everything around, her throat grew tight. The stupid dress was perfect. The bodice draped over her chest, hinting at the curves underneath. In back, the material pooled below her waist.

  “You look hot,” Ivy said in a proud voice.

  Secretly, she agreed. There wasn’t a hint of cleavage, but her entire back was exposed.

  Ivy grabbed her hand. “Let’s see what Zavien thinks.”

  “He’ll gripe at me.”

  “After his act of stupidity this morning, he deserves a little misery.”

  When they emerged from the dressing room, the store was crowded. Groups of Blues and Reds milled about. The females chatted happily while the males wore pained expressions. Zavien glanced up when she came out. The corners of his mouth turned down.

  Bryn ignored him. “Clint, what do you think?”

  “You look great.” His tone was sincere.

  “Thank you.” She pointed at Zavien. “You could learn a lot from Clint.”

  Head held high, she turned back to the dressing room. A male voice drifted through the room.

  “The dress isn’t bad. It’s a shame you don’t look more like your mother.”

  She recognized Jaxon’s voice. Without breaking stride, she called out, “It’s a good thing you’re so pretty, because your personality sucks.”

  Growls and laughter followed her into the dressing room.

  A few moments later, they emerged and paid for their purchases without incident. Clint appeared happy. Zavien glared but kept his mouth shut. That was new. Could it be due to her knight?

  “Where to now?” Clint held the door open so they could all walk through.

  “I need colored pencils,” Ivy said.

  Clint pointed down the street. “Why don’t Zavien and I grab a table at Snacks Galore while you and Bryn shop?”

  …

  The Artist’s Loft was filled with bookshelves and bins containing various art supplies. The walls were painted sunshine yellow. Bright slashes of primary colors resembling brushstrokes decorated the walls. The atmosphere was bright and cheerful.

  “This is the happiest store I’ve ever been in,” Bryn said.

  “It is fun.” Ivy headed for the aisle of colored pencils.

  Bryn browsed the bookshelves until she found manuals for beginners. She was leafing through a book entitled Learning to Draw Landscapes when a masculine voice startled her.

  “Have you ever been to Italy?”

  Bryn lifted her gaze and found herself face-to-face with Prince Charming. Of course he wasn’t really Prince Charming. He was just a man in his twenties, wearing a suit, but his golden skin, bright blue eyes, wavy blond hair, high cheekbones, and blindingly white teeth fit her childhood image of the fairy-tale character. She was caught off guard, and it took her a moment to reply.

  “No. Why do you ask?”

  He pointed at the picture she’d been studying. “The picture in your book reminds me of the view from my veranda in Italy. Those are olive trees, and that is the wall of a villa.”

  “Oh,” was the only thing she could think to say.

  “You’re her, aren’t you?” His eyes sparkled with curiosity.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re Bryn McKenna.”

  She backed up a step in case this was about to turn nasty. “I am, and you are?”

  “I’m Merrick Overton.”

  He seemed to expect some sort of response.

  “Sorry, I don’t know many Blues.”

  “I work for the Directorate.”

  Great. “The Directorate and I aren’t on the best of terms.”

  “No matter.” He smiled. “Do you draw?”

  Why was this guy talking to her? Since he was being civil, she did her best to play along. “My friend does. I’m hoping she can teach me.”

  “You’d like my villa in Tuscany. The views are spectacular.”

  In what alternate universe would she spend time in a Blue’s villa in Tuscany? Time to be direct. “Is there a point to this conversation?”

  He gave a warm chuckle. “I always preferred the straightforward approach. After you graduate from the Institute, you’ll need a benefactor.”

  “I appreciate your optimism, but I’m just learning how to draw. I doubt I’ll need someone to fund my art.”

  His eyebrows went up. “You’ve no idea what I’m talking about, do you?”

  Bryn shook her head. She didn’t like being the source of his amusement.

  “When you
figure it out, don’t be angry. I’m a collector of rare and beautiful things.”

  Ivy showed up. She looked back and forth between Bryn and Merrick. “Everything all right?”

  “He doesn’t want my head on a stick, but I’m not sure what he does want.”

  Merrick gave another blinding smile. “I must excuse myself, ladies. Have a lovely afternoon.”

  Bryn’s mind whirred. She was missing a vital piece of information. Her stomach growled, interrupting her thought processes.

  Ivy made a show of checking her watch. “It must be feeding time. Let’s pay and go meet the objects of our affections.”

  “What?”

  “You have a crush on Zavien.” Ivy moved to stand in line at the cash register.

  Crush didn’t sound right. It made her feelings seem childish. “I don’t have a crush. I enjoy spending time with him, when he isn’t being an ass.”

  Ivy gave her a knowing look. “If he kissed you, would you run away screaming?”

  Her face heated. “No.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Ivy reached the front of the line and paid for her pencils.

  Bryn attempted to pay for the book, but the cashier refused her card.

  “Mr. Overton paid for your book. He said it was a gift for an aspiring artist. You’re a lucky girl.”

  She didn’t feel lucky. She felt conflicted.

  “Take the book, dear,” the saleslady said. “He doesn’t expect anything in return.”

  “How do you know?”

  “He’s well respected. His family’s been on the Directorate for generations. In fact, you should probably send him a thank you card.” The woman passed her a business card with an address written on the back. “I wrote the address out for you.”

  “Thanks.” Bryn took the card and slid it in her pocket. She would send Mr. Overton a message once she figured out what he’d been talking about.

  Zavien and Clint waited for them in Snacks Galore with a bucket of caramel corn already on the table.

  “Find what you needed?” Clint asked.

  “I did.” Ivy draped her dress over the back of her seat and leaned her bag against the table leg. “Bryn made a new friend.”

  “Do I want to know?” Zavien asked.

  “No, you don’t.” Bryn tossed a piece of warm caramel corn into her mouth.