Flame (Fireborn) by Mari Arden Read Free Book Online Page A

new student.
    Immediately, Rhys
replies, "I don't need an interpreter. I am still learning your
language, but I have been studying it and your culture for many
years. If I need help, I know how to ask," Rhys replies. His
voice is smooth, syrupy, and holds a hint of an accent I can't place. Well, duh, I abruptly think to myself. His accents from outer space!
    "Oh, great. Good,"
Mr. Bernard sounds relieved. "Well, welcome again, and take a
seat."
    "If you need
anything, let us know," Dr. Bingham tells Rhys. "They,"
he gestures to the security, "will stay and-"
    "That won't be
necessary," Rhys gives him a polite smile. "I'm sure they
have other things to do that will be more… beneficial. I think I
can take care of myself." His voice is low, but every person
including me, strains to hear his conversation. Maybe he notices
because his voice gets softer, and I can't hear anything from the
back. An older gentleman from the group at the entrance steps forward
to protest, but Rhys raises a commanding hand, and he stops.
    That's when I notice
the air of authority around Rhys.
    I straighten, observing
his stance, and the control in his body. He reminds me of an uncoiled
snake, low and disguised, but hiding something lethal. Rhys' head is
bent, but I notice his eyes scan his surroundings even as he listens
to Dr. Bingham. Our principal nods a few times as Rhys talks, then
looks up.
    "All right then,"
he says in an irritated voice, stepping back from a conversation I
have no doubt Rhys dominated. "Have a good Monday." With
those parting words, Dr. Bingham leads the small group of people
away. When the door shuts there is an uncomfortable silence as we try
to absorb Rhys presence. The room feels too small, the air too tight
to hold a force like him. When he moves, we shrink back, not from
fear but from awe.
    Someone clears her
throat. "Mr. Bernard?" Arianna raises her hand shyly. "Rhys
can sit by me if he wants," she offers. Mr. Bernard agrees,
happy for a course of action.
    "Yes, why don't you do that,
Rhys?" He looks at Daniel. "Turn it on again. We'll be able
to finish today." Daniel presses the button and within a second
the Capulets are back on screen. This time everyone is awake. It has
everything to do with Rhys. Every person is aware of the smooth gait
of his body as he moves closer to Arianna. His movements are a
combination of fluid motions that are unnatural to observe. Rhys
smiles at Arianna, and any girl who sees it grins back, never mind
that it wasn't meant for them. He slides into the seat next to her
like it's something he's done before. The excited tension in the air
is so thick I can taste it in my throat. Insecure stares from the
boys. Secrets glances and giddy body language from the girls. It's
all mixing together like a heady aphrodisiac.
    Come, Montague; for thou art early up,
    To see thy son and heir more early down.
    Empty desks surround me, but Rhys is
closest, sitting two rows ahead and to the right. I try to focus, but
my eyes wander to him, noticing the width of his shoulders, and the
way the material of his shirt stretches to accommodate his large
frame. His eyelashes are so thick I see the black color from where I
sit. I can’t stop devouring him with my eyes. When I realize I'm
acting like a creepy stalker, my hands literally force my head to
turn back to the screen. The prince is finishing the final scene.
    A glooming peace this morning with it brings;
    The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head:
    Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things;
    I feel a tingling on the side of my
face, as if someone is staring. That's unusual. The seconds tick by,
and the feeling remains. Restlessness unfurls in my belly. I turn my
head.
    Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished:
    Glowing eyes meet my
mine head on. I gasp.
    Rhys is looking at me.
    His stare lingers for a second more,
then his eyelashes flutter down. The moment is broken, and it passes,
as if it'd never happened at all. But I know it was real. I