Neverthorn (Of Quirks and Curses, #1)

by Shannon Mayer

“I wish I could stay, but I’ve got people to see and all . . .” With a grin, I leapt from the edge of the roof, spinning in mid-air so I could face them as I fell, both middle fingers extended. Later suckers.

Perfect. Not only was I a twenty-nine-year-old woman attending magic school with a bunch of thirteen- to nineteen-year-olds, but I was also the “new kid.” Or “new old lady,” to be more accurate.

I stared at the gate a moment, then lifted both hands and flipped it off. The gate mimicked me back and that . . . well, shit, that made me laugh.

“Son of a boot licker!” My jaw dropped and I tried again. “Kiss my asterisk! Fricky dicky doo da! You’re such a donkeyhole!”

“Hey! Hi, there,” I said as they both finally looked my way. “Still on the ground and not sure if I have use of my limbs yet, so if you two are done measuring your ducks . . .” damn that language gag! Liam shook his head and smiled down at me with a wink. “No need for that on my end, I’ve no insecurities about my duck size. I’m happy to be on my way so long as you’ve got a friend here and feel safe.”

His head came up at the same time mine lowered, our noses brushing against each other as he leaned back, and for the space of a heartbeat we were so very, very close. I could feel his breath on my lips, see his eyes dip to my mouth. Knew that he could feel my breath too. It would take nothing to close the distance, to press my lips against his and –

“Going to try and choke me again, are you?” Something flickered in his eyes and his voice went low and silky. “Not unless you say please.”