Page 6 of I Accidentally Summoned A Demon
Nex grabbed her and turned her toward him, reaching into her pocket. He pulled out her headphones and placed an earbud in her ear.
“There. They’ll think you’re on the phone.” He crossed his arms, never losing balance as the bus stopped abruptly and shifted everyone else.
“I don’t want to talk to you.” Kat gripped the bar tighter. “You’re rude and creepy and,” she glanced around and lowered her voice, “invisible! Leave me alone, and let me focus.”
She faced away, and he groaned but otherwise remained silent. At the next stop, Nex followed her off and into the theater where auditions were being held. Kat checked in and waited in the back for her turn. Nex had disappeared while she checked in and hadn’t shown up again. She hoped he’d stay away until the audition was over.
“Hey, Kat.” Jason leaned against the wall next to her with a grin.
“Hi—hi.” She tucked her hair behind her ears.
He inclined his head to the stage. “You nervous?”
“A little.”
“You shouldn’t be,” he said, nudging her shoulder with his. “You’re going to do awesome.” He winked and headed toward the stage when his name was called. “You look cute today, by the way.”
Flushing, Kat gave a nervous giggle. Jason offered her one last smile and went out onto the stage.
“Kat?” Nex appeared beside her and made her jump.
She smacked his arm. “Don’t do that.”
“You said your name is Katherine.”
“Kat’s a nickname.”
“Is it? No, it doesn’t suit you. Cats are vicious and attack with claws. Kitten is more suitable. A kitten bats at you and tries to get somewhere, but in the end is easy to pick up and push around—all talk and no real action. Kitten is much more you.”
“Ugh. Donotcall me that. That’s such a gross nickname.” Kat shuddered. “And I’m not weak. If you were a person with normal strength, I would’ve fended you off.”
“Sure you would’ve. Sorry, kitten. I’m afraid it suits you too well not to use,” he said, smirking. “If you give me a name, I’ll help you seduce Mr. . . .” He glanced at Jason and made a face. “Preppy, clean-cut, blondie, douchey. That’s your type?” Grimacing, he clicked his tongue in disapproval. “How dreadfully boring.”
Kat opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Ashley approached. She was in a tight dress that plunged low, emphasizing her cleavage. Kat pursed her lips and braced herself for the taunting.
“Aw, Katherine, look at you like a little schoolgirl excited to be noticed by her crush. And trying so hard to audition for a role we both know you won’t get.” Ashley tossed back her blonde hair. “It’s adorable you think you can play with the big kids.”
“Who’s this bitch?” Nex glared at Ashley.
Kat ignored him and stared blankly at Ashley. “If you’re so confident, why do you need to try to frazzle me?”
“I don’t need to.” Ashley laughed. “It’s fun to get in your head. You make it easy. Who dressed you this morning? Nuns? How do you pull off looking innocent when you pine after Jason every day and probably think about him when you’re alone, touching yourself? Because God knows nobody else wants to touch you.”
“This is the one.” Nex growled, balling his fists. “Give me the go-ahead, and I’ll kill her where she stands.”
“Go away, Ashley,” Kat said. “Practice your lines.”
“Already did.” Ashley picked at her fingernails. “I practiced with Jason last night. Well,practicedis a loose term. Though, it did start some fun roleplaying.” She winked and walked away with more swing in her hips than necessary. “Good luck, sweetie. You’ll need it.”
An annoyed sigh escaped Kat. She tugged at her clothes and chewed her lip while Ashley went through her audition.
“Seriously. Give me the order, and she’s dead,” Nex repeated.
“No.”
“Why? She’s a cunt. She’s rude to you. Let me kill her.”
“No.”
