Chapter 73 The Bad Boy

I am no bird,

and no net ensnares me.

I am a free human being

with an independent will

which I now exert to leave you.

-Jane Eyre

Blake

I kissed her. I'm not really sure why, except for the fact that I wanted to. Her story is too good to be true, but still.. it wasn't what I had expected her to say.

When I questioned her story, I was certain she would say the prove was in her eyes. That I had see it when I found her. The lack of silver. Human eyes.

And if she had said that, I wouldn't have believed a single word she'd say after.

But that wasn't what had come out of her mouth.

"I was taken, but he brought me back."

A million questions ring through my mind. Is it even possible? But she wouldn't have told me something like that if it wasn't true. It would endanger every one of those creatures.

So I believe her.

And that's not all.

Kissing Emma is fun. She gets that look in her eyes that wonders why anyone would ever want to. I shake my head amused at the memory. She was so awkward then.

***

It's a formal gathering and I hate it from the moment I set foot inside, but I don't have much choice. My father is the biggest investor of the Science Research Center. It is expected that my mother and I tag along.

It's not my kind of party. The people are too stiff and all they talk about is money. I'd rather talk with some of the scientists, except that I wouldn't' know what to talk about.

My father brushes the snowflakes from his coat before handing it to the girl behind the counter. He doesn't even look at her. He leans towards me. "I expect you to be on our best behavior tonight, Blake. There are some important people here."

"It's a New Year's party," I answer, "you're supposed to have fun."

"Don't embarrass me, boy. Remember who you are."

What he means is, 'remember who I want you to be'. "Yes sir," I reply stiffly, but he has already moved on.

I let my eyes drift across the room until they land on a familiar face. I utter a disgusted sigh and take a glass of champagne from a nearby tray. I need alcohol to survive this night. What is he even doing here?

A few feet away, a tall young man with a straight back is talking to a group of girls. His voice continues to irritate me. He sounds like he's swallowed a frog.

Andrew Alexander Ludovic V. Andrew to his friends. Android is what I call him.

"... girl should consider herself lucky," I hear him drone, "I am two hundred and twelfth in line for the throne after all."

A laugh escapes my thraot. "So two hundred and eleven people have to die before you are even considered?" I comment.

Android looks up annoyed. "I doubt you can say the same, my best."

I shrug. "I care not for thrones."

He gives me a scrutinizing look. "By the look of your attire, you don't care much about anything."

Now I remember why I can't stand him. "Well then," I make a sarcastic bow, " in that case I will remove myself from your presence."

I turn and grit my teeth. Boarding School brat. Not that I envy him, but you'd think that they would teach him some manners at that prestigious school.

I snort and walk as far away from him as possible.

That's when I see her.

She's standing on the other side of the room with her parents. The epitome of the obedient daughter, but if you look close enough you can see her unease, the slight tremble of her folded hands, the smile that doesn't reach her eyes, the tension in her body.

It's hard to believe she can still look so elegant.

Her father is in conversation with one of the investors and her mother is laughing at all the right moments.

I shake my head. So rehearsed.

From the corner of my eye, I see Android making his way towards them and I grit my teeth. He has that smug look on his face and I know exactly what his intentions are.

Quickly I make my way through the crowd towards the Dupree family. "Good evening Mr. Dupree. Mrs. Dupree. Mind if I steal your daughter for a dance?" I place a hand on Emma's back and she stiffens, casting me a glare. " I don't think..."

"Blake," her father greets me while ignoring Emma's protests, "such a lovely idea."

I can see her mother's eyes flash content. "Have fun, children."

I don't waste any time and guide a protesting Emma towards the dance floor. "Stop fighting, squirky," I tell her, "unless you prefer Prince Android's company."

She blinks at me. "Who?"

I nod my head to the side. "Mr. Charming over there was on his way over to you. I only wanted to save you."

Emma follows my gaze and pulls a face.

"See?" I smirk, "I did you a favor."

She sighs and looks at me. "I can't dance."

"No problem, I shrug, "I can. Its all in the lead." And I pull her into the dance.

It takes a while for her to relax, but when she does, I can actually coax a smile from her.

"See? Not so hard, is it?" I grin.

Before she can respond there's a tap on my shoulder. I don't even have to look to know who it is. The look on Emma's face says it all.

"May I cut in?" Android's voice drones.

I keep my eyes on Emma while replying. "I'm afraid the lady isn't feeling well. I was just about to escort her back."

There's a flicker of gratitude in Emma's eyes, but it's short-lived when Android takes her arm. "Some fresh air will do you good. Allow me."

Emma opens and closes her mouth, she casts me a helpless look.

"I really don't think..." I start, but another girl clamps my arm. "There you are Blake," she giggles.

"Amy," I mutter. She's clearly drunk.

When I've pried her off, Android and Emma are gone. I scan the room for clues where they might have gone. I don't know what Android wants with her, but it can't be good. He has a reputation when it comes to girls and I don't want anything to happen to Emma.

"Did you see where they went?" I ask Amy.

She giggles. "Don't worry, Blake, they're just going to have some fun."

That's exactly what I'm worried about. "Where?" I ask.

"I don't know," Amy giggles, "somewhere private."

Private.

The Star tower.

I leave Amy standing on the dance floor and make my way upstairs and sure thing I hear Android's voice. "It was very expensive, but I supposed it was worth it. The telescope is the best the market has to offer and my father invested a lot in this project." A pause and then. "Go ahead, have a look. I bet you have never seen the stars so close."

"My father works here," Emma replies dryly, and I smirk.

They're standing together near the telescope. It's obvious Emma is trying to find a way to escape, but she's too polite to bolt.

"There you are," I announce myself while keeping my eyes on Emma. "Your father was concerned about you."

Emma eyes me oddly for a moment, but then seems to catch on. "Ah, right. I'll go to him right away."

"I'll escort you," Android says.

"Actually," I say, "some girl was looking for you. I think her name was Amy." That should solve two issues in one go.

Android straightens his jacket and looks at Emma. "If you'll excuse me." And he walks past me.

Emma stares after him. "Well that was rude."

I smirk. "It's a good thing he didn't realize his position."

"What do you mean?"

I look up and she follows my gaze towards the mistletoe that's hanging from the ceiling.

"Oh no," she starts.

"Don't be like that , squirky," I say, "it's tradition."

She shakes her head and tries to get away, but I block her escape.

"Get away , Blake," she growls.

"Don't be such a crybaby," I say irritated. She acts like I'm planning to molest her.

"Then stop being such a jerk! Why aren't you ever serious?" She brushes past me.

"You know," I call after her, "next time, don't expect me to save you from prince Android."

She freezes and turns to face me. She hesitates for a moment. "Thank you," she blurts out.

"You're welcome," I say, "and I'm not being a jerk. I don't understand why you go into hysterics over a simple kiss. It's no big deal."

"Maybe to you," she mutters.

I cock an eyebrow. "You say that like you've never been kissed before."

She grits her teeth and looks away. I can see the heated blush crawling on her cheeks. "You haven't," I state.

She glares at me. "If you're going to make fun..."

"You could have just told me," I say.

Her blush deepens and she crosses her arms.

I take a step closer. "Why not make this a first then?" I smirk at her.

She eyes me warily.

"Come on," I say, "for tradition's sake."

She swallows nervously when I take a step closer.

"Don't be scared," I whisper and I lean in. She closes her eyes and I smirk, pecking her cheek.

Her eyes fly open and she glares at me. "You're such a jerk!" she scrams and she punches my chest.

I rub the spot. "Ow squirky. That hurt."

"Good! You deserve it!"

"You want a real kiss then, squirky?" I lean closer again and smirk when her breath hitches.

She pushes me and glares again. "Piss off Blake." And she storms away.

***

I bite my lip. I probably should have handled that better, but teasing her has always been fun. I just can't resist.

I glance back at the sleeping space Emma shares with that alien Burns and I wonder if she's kissed him.

"I was taken, but he brought me back."

I don't know what to do.

When I hear footsteps, I lookup. Nate and Burns are headed my direction and I narrow my eyes at Burns. There are some things I need to figure out.

Ignoring the alien for now, I turn to Nate. "I need to talk to you."