Numbered

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Kylie had barely enough time to recover from the surprise of his victory in the fight before his lips pressed against hers, sending her into a whole new whirlwind of emotions.

His lips were soft and he tasted of peppermint and coffee. She found herself kissing him back, purely because of how addictive this feeling was that she had.

He was a good kisser, Kylie thought. It briefly crossed her mind how many other girls he’d kissed.

Kylie had had only one other experience – from a One she used to fight. He'd made her promise not to tell anyone because if she did, he'd be bullied due to the fact she was a Zero. He had kissed her in the trees at the back gates of the school. She would keep silent whilst the rest of the girls talked about their boyfriends.

She quickly pushed that thought from her mind and focused on Jared. She wanted to remember this moment. It was bitter-sweet. She knew it would likely never happen again.

She shivered at the loss of warmth when he pulled away. There was nothing either could think of to say. They just smiled at each other.

Jared rolled off her onto his back beside her and they stared up at the blue painted ceiling. There was a skylight, which revealed a view of a bright sky filled with fluffy white clouds resembling cotton wool.

“It’s a beautiful day,” she commented. She wanted to go out and lie on the beach with him until the sun went down.

“Not half as beautiful as you,” he turned to her, his eyes sweeping over her face.

She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, and instead gave him a small smile.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Fire away,” he replied, folding his arms under his head.

“Where did you learn to fight like that?” she asked, her voice full of curiosity. Her emerald eyes regarded him questioningly. He fought like he came from her neighbourhood, yet he was a 5. The surprise tactics also informed her he wasn’t a novice.

“My father had me take self-defence classes,” he muttered. “I started when I was about ten. My mother was convinced it would help distract me from Cristabel.” He shook his head like a dog trying to rid its ears of water. He laughed mirthlessly. “I imagined my father when I hit the punch-bag. I still take them at my school about once a fortnight.”

“I didn’t think you’d be able to beat me,” she admitted, though she knew it was silly to have thought that. She had no professional training in fighting. She’d just gained experience, and she was able to read the weaknesses of her opponents. With Jared, it wasn’t so easy.

He smiled wryly. “Really? Should I be congratulating myself?”

She punched him playfully. “I was the reigning champion back home, you know. You’re probably the first guy who’s beaten me that easily.”