Page 48 of When Storms Ruin

“And? Diana…the last time we talked boys, you wanted to stab him in the eye. How did we get from stabbing to cuddling?” She sighed.

“We werenotcuddling,” I replied.

“That’s not what it looked like to me. His deliciously tattooed arm was wrapped around your waist, if I remember correctly.”

I shook my head at her. “We must have tangled together during the night. He was only keeping me company after the nightmare. I didn’t want to be alone.” I bit my lip, meeting her searching gaze.

“Sure. I’m sure that’s all it was…” she trailed off.

“There’s nothing going on,” I replied, grabbing a black t-shirt that appeared to be my size.

“Not yet, there isn’t,” Tess replied.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, raising my brow at her.

“It means that I could see this coming a mile away. He has been weaseling his way back in, and you are letting him, whether you want to admit it or not. There’s no judgement from me. I know the connection you two have. I only want you to be happy.” She gave me a half-smile as she took the black shirt from my hand and placed it back on the rack. “No more black clothes, you have enough.”

I rolled my eyes at her. “And what about you and Puck? You were awfully quick to forgive him, if I remember correctly.”

“That’s different.” She shook her head. “Besides, we aren’t talking aboutme. We are talking about you.”

“I haven’t forgiven him if that’s what you’re getting at.”

I threw the straight blonde hair over my shoulder as it fell into my eyes. I could never get used to the appearance of this hair and was glad the glamour was only temporary. We would have to get back to the townhouse before it wore off.

“Does that mean you have zero feelings for him?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I really don’t. I don’t forgive him, but he has been there for me when I’ve needed him. He had Stormslayer crafted for me when we were locked in the Stormvault, and he just…” I trailed off.

“Just been a wee bit overprotective, don’t you think? You know he picked that fight with Warrick to show off for you, don’t you?”

“He has nothing to worry about with Warrick,” I replied.

“No?” Tess’ eyebrows shot up her forehead as she gave me a pointed look. “Things appeared awfully hot and heavy during your training session the other day.”

“We were onlytraining,” I told her.

“Whatever you need to tell yourself.”

She nudged me in the side with a wink as she handed me a slinky silver number. Where on earth would I have a chance to wear that between training my storm magic, learning to wield a dagger, and defeating Donika? I pointedly shoved the top back onto the rack.

“Things are too complicated right now. The last thing I need is boy problems. I need to focus on controlling my storms and studying the grimoire. If Donika were to find us, if she were to set that army of black magic infested creatures on us…we need to be ready.”

“Amen to that,” Tess replied.

“But…whatisgoing on with you and Puck?” I asked.

“Things are…complicated,” she replied with a laugh.

Complicated appeared to be the theme of the day.

“But you’ve been spending the night in his room?” I asked.

“How do you know that?” she asked, scandalized.

“Tess, my love, you are many things, but discreet is not one of them,” I told her with a shake of my head.

“If you are asking if we are back together…I guess the answer is yes.”

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