I ball my hands into fists and nod. If I say anything else, I’ll lose my temper for sure. Then Cissy’ll have a black eye to match the one I gave Zeke all those years ago. Cissy’s footsteps slop in the muddy grass, growing more distant with each stride. Soon they disappear altogether.

I jump to my feet. That freaking sonuvabitch Earl and his dippy daughter, ruining everything. The fires of wrath spark and coil inside me. Resting my weight on my right leg, I kick the bench with all my strength, breaking the wooden planks in two neat halves. That makes me feel better.

“Nice kick,” says a familiar voice. I scan the shadows, seeing a figure step into the clearing: Lincoln.

I’m pretty sure I gasp. Loudly. What in blazes is he doing here?

“Hello, Myla.” He rakes one hand through his brown hair. He left his crown back at the mansion. I have a feeling that means something, but I’m not sure what.

I grin from ear to ear. “Shouldn’t you be on Earth right now?” My rage melts away, replaced by a tingly feeling in my stomach.

“Why ever would I do that?” He smiles, and the butterflies in my belly turn rowdy. “That was the worst fake emergency I’ve ever seen.” Switching his stance, he scopes out my dress, or lack thereof. “Looks like there was more to their master plan, though.” He lets out a puff of air. “I’ll be honest. I didn’t see that coming. Rather elaborate scheme, don’t you think?” His gaze rakes over my backside, desire flaring in his eyes. “Not that I’m complaining.”

The fire in his eyes rouses my lust demon. She purrs inside me, pumping heat through my veins. Then I remember what’s written on my ass. Ugh.

“No fair peeking.” I spin about, trying to cover my bum with what’s left of my dress. Not that I mind Lincoln checking out my butt so much, but the CUNNUS sign is a little awkward. Okay, a lot awkward.

“They did us a favor, you know.” He taps his temple. “That’s why I played along.”

I roll my eyes and chuckle. “I’m so sure.”

“Think about it. We could have spent a few hours at the ball, irritating certain people. But this way, we can be alone.” He steps closer. “It’ll be some time before they figure out I’m not on Earth.” His full mouth winds into a mischievous grin. My insides get all gooey. “Want to get in trouble?”

Yes and no. “I’m not going anywhere dressed like this, except home.” No way am I walking around the mansion grounds with CUNNUS written on my bum. The entire thrax nation is lurking nearby, not to mention Cissy, Zeke, and his parents. Nuh-uh.