Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“Don’t be an ass.” I yank my hand from his. “Whoa.” Ridoc’s eyebrows rise as I turn toward Xaden. “I’ve done exactly what you asked. I kept everything from my friends.” I glare into the depths of his soul. “So don’t be an asshole to them.” “Exactly what I’ve asked?” He leans down, bringing his face within a breath of mine. “By keeping your research a secret?” My jaw drops. “Are you really going to stand here and compare secrets with me?” “It’s not the same.” He winces. “It’s exactly the same!” I grip the strap of the bag to keep from jabbing him in the chest with my finger. How fucking dare he. “I’m researching the wards for you.” “Why do you think I’m so angry?” The tension in his eyes, his posture, his tone equals mine. “Because you don’t like being on the other side of secrets.” “What the hell is going on?” Sawyer asks from the hallway. “I…uh…” Ridoc scratches the top of his head. “I think they’re fighting.” “That has… How long have you been hiding this from me?” Xaden questions. “They’re not even…speaking,” Rhiannon mutters. “I haven’t hidden shit from you. I’ve simply told you selective truths.” He draws back like I’ve hit him. “Sorry, guys.” I turn to my friends. “Trust me, there’s nothing I would rather do than go to Chantara with you, but unfortunately, I have to run an errand. Next weekend?” “You’ll be in Samara.” Xaden folds his arms across his chest. How is it possible to both love someone and loathe them all in the same moment?