Careless Magic book 1

Chapter 23

"Damn it," Kiran growled and slammed his hand against the bar behind me. I jumped, startled by his outburst of anger. He turned to face the interrupters, but did not leave my side. "Can I help you gentlemen?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Forgive us for the interruption sir, but Ms. Matthews is not allowed in your private club," Principal Saint ended his sentence with a small bow. His manner was respectful, almost subservient.

Outside of school, the roles were reversed. Kiran was in command here, and Principal Saint must obey Kiran's orders. I may have had a hard time wrapping my mind around the Monarchy before tonight, but the facts of Kiran's power were clearly displayed in front of me. I was forced to understand the role of the Monarchy in my life now. My face flushed with embarrassment, as I noticed all eyes in the enormous room focused on us.

"I granted her entrance," Kiran said softer, noticing the onlookers as well. His voice however, was none the less menacing.

"I'm sorry sir; by your father's order she is not allowed here," Talbott interjected himself and I couldn't help but despise him a little more.

"Mr. St. Andrews is waiting upstairs to take you home," Principal Saint addressed me for the first time and then angled his body as if to tell me I should leave immediately. I began to move, but Kiran stopped me by putting his hand on my waist.

"There's no need for that. I was leaving anyways. I will take her home. Please tell Avalon, he is free to go," Kiran took me by the arm a bit roughly and began walking towards the door.

"Excuse me, Prince Kiran; there is still business to attend to," Talbott again interrupted, but this time I could hear the small amount of trepidation in his voice.

"What business?" Kiran growled quietly without even turning to look at him.

"I am not at liberty to say in front of.... her," Talbott referenced me with a disdain that let me know exactly how he felt.

"Fine," Kiran stood still for a few seconds longer, but did not let go of my arm. He left his back turned on Talbott and Principal Saint, apparently trying to decide what to do next. I was too afraid of him to speak. I could feel the heat of his anger swirling around us. The electricity pulsed between my skin and his fingers wildly. "I will walk her to the door," before anyone else could object, he began walking again, pulling me along beside him.

"I'm sorry," I stammered out; not exactly sure why I was apologizing.

"Don't be. You did nothing wrong," he mumbled through gritted teeth.

He did not let go of my arm the entire walk upstairs. I hurried along beside him as quickly as I could in the shoes that I was wearing. Kiran rushed up the long flight of stone stairs and through the long, brightly lit hallway. He did not stop moving until we reached the door to the outside.

If I was surprised by his behavior downstairs, I was even more surprised by his behavior on the way back to the front door. But nothing could have prepared me for what he did next.

Once we reached the door, I grabbed for the handle, hoping to escape to the safety of the car Avalon had stolen. I was perplexed by Kiran's behavior, but more than anything I was humiliated by my exile from his private club. I wanted to put this night behind me and crawl into a ball, forgetting about this entire experience. Kiran however had a different idea of how to end the night.

Although I reached for the door, Kiran stopped me by grabbing me firmly around my waist. His hands were hot against my skin, even through the material of my dress. He pushed me roughly against the wall and pressed his body against mine. One hand stayed on my hip, but the other he raised above my head to plant firmly against the wall. The magic flared in my blood, making it boil beneath my skin.