Read Of Poseidon for Free Online Page B

give Galen the opportunity to leave fi rst. I open my binder, shuffl
    e around some blank notebook paper, and make a show of tightening the straps of my backpack. He doesn’t move. Fine . I stand, snatch up my things, and glide past him. The lava rallies
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    at my wrist when he grabs it, like he’s branding me with his 0—
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    “Emma, wait.”
    He remembers my name. Which means he remembers that I nearly knocked myself out on his bare chest. I wish I had applied the porcelain foundation this morning— it might have covered up at least some of my blush.
    “Hi,” I say. “I didn’t think you’d remember me.” I’m aware of a few stares coming from the back of the class— some of his fans have stayed behind and are patiently waiting their turn.
    “Well, welcome to Middle Point. You probably have to get to class, so I’ll see you later.”
    He grips harder when I try to pull away. “Wait.” I glance down at his hold and he releases me. “Yes?” I say.
    He looks down at his desk, runs a hand through his black hair. I remember that Galen’s gift is not small talk. Finally, he looks up. The confi dence has returned to his eyes. “Do you think you could help me fi nd my next class?”
    “Sure, but it’s pretty simple. There are three halls here. The one hundred hall, the two hundred hall, and the three hundred hall. Let me see your schedule.” He fi shes it out of his pocket and hands it to me to unwad. Smoothing it out, I say, “Your next class is in room one twenty- three. That means you’re going to the one hundred hall.”
    “But can you show me where it is?”
    I check my schedule to see where I’m going, knowing even if my next class is in the complete opposite corner of the school from his, I will take him to room 123. Lucky for me, my next class is in room 123 as well— English lit.
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    “Uh, actually, we have the next class together, too,” I tell
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    him apologetically. He follows me out the door and keeps my slowish pace as I scan over our schedules to see how many more classes he will have to endure my awkward company— and how many more classes I can expect to be blushing in. The answer is all of them. I groan. Out loud.
    “What?” he says. “Is something wrong?”
    “Well, it’s just that . . . It looks like we have the exact same schedule. Seven classes together.”
    “Is that a problem?”
    Yes. “No. I mean, well it isn’t for me, but . . . I just thought maybe you’d rather not have me around after what happened that day at the beach.”
    He stops and pulls me out of student traffi c to a row of
    lockers. The intimacy of the move gets the attention of some passersby. Remnants of his fan club linger behind, still waiting for me to relinquish my turn.
    “Maybe we should go somewhere private to discuss this,” he says softly, leaning closer. He glances with meaning around us.
    “Private?” I squeak.
    He nods. “I’m glad you brought it up. I wasn’t sure how to approach you about it, but this makes it easier for both of us, don’t you think? And if you keep cooperating, I’m sure I can get you leniency.”
    I gulp. “Leniency?”
    “Yes, Emma. Of course you realize I could arrest you right now. You understand that, right?”
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    charges against me! Is he going to sue me, sue my family? I’m eigh teen now. I could legally be sued. The heat on my cheeks is part kill- me- now embarrassment and part where’s-a- knife- when-you- need- one rage. “But it was an accident!” I hiss.
    “ An accident? You’ve got to be kidding me.” He pinches the bridge of his nose.
    “No, I am not kidding. Why would I ram into you on purpose? I don’t even know you! And anyways, how do I know you didn’t