Page 48 of The Silent
Oh, I bet youwould.
Leo ignored the jab at his relationship with Kyra. Niran had been a good host, and he was hardly to blame for being attracted to a womanlikeKyra.
“When will Kyra be done teaching?” Leoasked.
A muscle jumped in Niran’s jaw. “She usually teaches untildinnertime.”
Leo smiled. “I’m so glad Surainvitedus.”
“Yes,” Niran said. “I’m sureyouare.”
* * *
But somehow,despite Leo’s best intentions, they never seemed to find a minute alone. Kyra waved at Leo from a distance as Intira dragged her away to show her a new game before dinner. They sat beside each other during the meal, but both of them were peppered with questions on one topic oranother.
As the hours passed, Leo’sfrustrationgrew.
“Come with me for walk,” he said. “After the meal is finished. We’ll walk in theforest.”
Kyra smiled. “I would love to. But before wedothat—”
“Kyra, do you have a moment?” Suraasked.
Leo squeezed her hand, then released her to talkwithSura.
Niran and Alyah remained at the table with two other free Grigori warriors, chatting about training regimens and discussing logistics for merging activities and improving communication between thehouses.
Leo stood and wandered through the garden between the temple and the forest. It was clear night, and the moon was nearly full. The wind soughed through the bamboo, and Leo let his imagination run wild. He wanted to kiss Kyra in the shadows. Watch the silver moonlight touch her skin. He felt greedy with desireforher.
Ginny was sitting in the garden, smoking a thin cigarette and staring atthemoon.
Leo walked out to her. “Those are badforyou.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I know. Good thing I’mmagic.”
“True.” He sat next to her on the bench. “Tell me yourstory.”
She eyed him. “Are you always so cheerful and up-front?”
“I try to be. My cousin is the secretive one. There’s only so much stealth allowed in one family, so I’m theoptimist.”
Ginny smiled. “I canseethat.”
“So?”
“Mystory?”
Henodded.
“Not very interesting.” Her eyes told him different. “I live here. I’d like to say quietly, but it doesn’t suit my personality. I didn’t feel comfortable in America. The few Irina there tend tobevery…”
“Conventional?”
“Yes.” She took another drag on her cigarette. “So I came here. I keep to myself and avoid Bangkok. Chiang Mai is much more relaxed, and I can train with goodfighters.”
“Were you always awarrior?”
A flicker in hereyes. “No.”
