Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett

Author:Kim Liggett
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2015-09-03T16:00:00+00:00

25

HONEY TRAP

I SAT IN THE screened-in loft of the Larkin lodge, listening to the wind moving through the cornstalks, rustling the leaves like rasping breath.

I glanced down at Beth and Rhys, who were lying on cushions on the floor, their hands nearly touching, which brought an unexpected smile to my face. A tiny ray of sunshine at the end of a day full of death.

Suddenly, the breeze found me, making the candles flicker. I brought my hands to my throat, searching for the comfort of the black silk ribbon, but it was gone.

A soft brushing sound broke through the whisper of the corn—like the distant flutter of a moth’s wings.

I followed the sound down the ladder, through the living area to the front door. I cracked it open. The black silk ribbon blew in; it had been tied to the doorknob. I freed the silk and wrapped it around my wrist, tucking the ends directly under my pulse point. It felt warm, like someone had been holding it tightly. I knew that scent by heart. Strawberries, earth, musk, and sandalwood.

Dane.

Stepping outside, I closed the door behind me and stood at the foot of the walkway, staring out into the darkness. He didn’t make a sound, but I knew he was there.

“Thank you,” I called into the void, not really expecting an answer.

“You’re welcome.”

A smile pulled at the corner of my mouth. Stepping off the cobblestones and onto the grass, I crept toward the sound of his voice. The grass was cool and damp beneath my bare feet. I stumbled into some kind of ditch, tripping over what felt like tree roots.

“Oh God.” I careened forward, and Dane caught my waist. “It’s so dark out here,” I said as I righted myself, but I still couldn’t see his face.

“You’ll get used to it,” he murmured.

I liked the way he said it, like maybe he was getting used to me, too. But I knew that kind of thinking was dangerous. Nothing more than a honey trap.

“I could light a fire,” he said.

I squinted in his direction, trying to make out his features. “You just go around making fires in people’s yards?”

“Well, you’re standing in the fire pit.”

My face warmed. “Of course I am.” I backed out of the pit to stand on the grass again. “Do you use a flint?”

“I can, but that’s a little old-fashioned, don’t you think? I make my own matches. Trade them for things.” As he lit a match, I caught a glimpse of him. Firelight was kind to just about everyone, but what it did to Dane’s face was . . . criminal. His skin took on a gorgeous tawny hue, and his eyes became even more luminous and penetrating, twin flames reflecting in their dark pupils.

As I lowered myself onto the ground near the fire pit, he surprised me by settling next to me, his arm resting only a few inches from mine. I felt raw energy ping between his body and mine; I had to will my arm not to inch closer.

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