World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2)

by Susan Ee

The kiss. Like a germinating seed, I have the growing impulse to ask the sword about it. It’s silly and embarrassing and maybe even shallow after what I just saw Raffe go through. But because of what I just saw, I want to see him in a different kind of moment. One where he’s cocky and in control. One where he’s experiencing something other than threats and pain, if only for two seconds. That, and I’m dying to know what he felt during our kiss. I know it doesn’t matter. I know it won’t change anything. I know it’s juvenile. Whatever. Can’t a girl be a girl for, like, five minutes? “Show me your memories of the kiss.” I close my eyes. The heat creeps up my cheeks, which is silly because the sword was there when the kiss happened and saw the whole thing. So what if I’m curious about what he felt? “Oh, come on. Do we have to do this again?” Nothing. “That last one was totally awful. I need a little comfort. It’s just a small favor. Please?” Nothing. “Extra ribbons and bows for you,” I try to sound like I mean it. “Maybe even sparkly makeup on the teddy bear.” Still nothing. “Traitor.” I know that’s a funny statement since the sword is actually being loyal to Raffe but I don’t care. I slide it back into its scabbard, which has been leaning against my chair, and jam the bear over the hilt.