Page 60 of Emylia

“You don’t want to sit with me anymore?” Maalikai’s words sounded wounded, but I didn’t have time to pander to his broken pride, I needed to see Sebastian and explain everything.

I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. “No, I mean yes. I don’t know, I’ve just got to go.”

Maalikai let me take three steps before grabbing my hand and pulling me back to him. “Just tell me what’s wrong, maybe I can help.”

“Maalikai, Emylia.” The unmistakable caw of an evil vulture beckoned, erasing any other problem I’d already been dealing with.

A blur of blonde hair and endless legs barreled towards us, Josephine in all her irritating perfection, followed by my cousin Evie, her fiery red hair trailing behind her. An absolute bombshell and slightly more tolerable than my arch nemesis.

“Josephine, Evie.” Their names rolled off my tongue with barely contained disdain.

Venom coated Josephine’s features as she stormed forward, her eyes focused solely on me, like she had a score to settle. Considering our earlier encounter, I knew she would be out for blood.

I welcomed the challenge.

A single heartbeat transpired, a flicker of pure unadulterated hatred swept through her features before she invaded my personal space. Without warning her shoulder crashed into me, deliberately knocking me off balance. Caught off guard I lost my footing, stumbling backwards.

One second I was falling. The next I was inhisarms.

My eyes met Maalikai’s and in an instant nothing else mattered. Strong arms wrapped around me, steadying me effortlessly.

“You alright?” Maalikai’s voice was low, concerned, and entirely focused on me. His proximity was intoxicating, the unexpected warmth debilitating.

“Yeah,” I managed to mumble, heart hammering painfully against my ribcage. “Nice catch.”

One heartbeat stuttered by and then another. Yet he still held me. His eyes unyielding while he studied me with an intensity that felt like a physical caress. Then, without a word, he returned me to my feet, ensuring I found my balance before releasing me.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Emylia.” Josephine’s tone was dripping with false sweetness, but her narrowed eyes betrayed her true feelings.

I was going maim her.

“Maybe pay more attention next time.” Maalikai barely spared her a glance, his expression darkening. The subtle sharpness in his voice rendered Josephine speechless.

Evie shifted uncomfortably, offering me an apologetic look before turing to Josephine. “Maybe we should go?—”

The look Josephine gave Evie, chilled me to the core. She turned to Maalikai, presenting her hand as if she expected him to bow before her.

“Josie. Nice to meet you. I tried to introduce myself earlier but…” Her voice trailed off as she sent me a look that could rival Ezekiel’s wrath.

Cerulean eyes swept over her in contempt, like he was above breathing the same air as her. Disregarding her outstretched hand, Maalikai placed himself deliberately beside me, creating a barrier between Josephine and myself. “I was occupied.”

Josephine’s smile faltered, her mask slipping slightly. But I’d never known her to lose and the look in her eyes screamed for victory, no matter the cost.

“We should definitely catch up now.”

A laugh rumbled through him, not in humour, but edged in malice. I’d never known a laugh that commanded fear.

But his did.

“No.”

Josephine stared, momentarily speechless, clearly unfamiliar with rejection. Evie gently tugged her friend’s arm, embarrassment colouring her cheeks. “Let’s just leave them alone.”

Josephine’s mouth opened but before she could say anything Maalikai stepped forward, his brows furrowing, darkening the blue of his eyes to onyx. Frustration sinking into every one of his features.

“If I were you, I’d take your friend’s advice.” His tone sent chills running up and down my spine, ice filling my limbs.

Holy crap, Maalikai could be fucking terrifying.

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