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"Oh, that's what you want now? Next Friday. Just you and me." I tilt my head. "Unless you'd rather keep running your mouth where it's safe."

His grin flickers, but he doesn't refuse.

I take another step, close enough now that the guys nearest us go quiet. I feel like tearing his face open, just because I fucking can. And because he's been talking about Rowan in a way I don't like. If anyone gets a fucking opinion about him, it's me. "Unless you want to take back what you said."

Too many people are watching for me to say the rest. But Adrian hears it anyway, and fuck me, I like the way his face tightens. Backing down now would follow him for weeks, and we both know it.

"Yeah?" he says, trying—and failing—to get the swagger back into his voice. "Fine."

"Good. Then we have a deal." I glance at the crowd gathering around us. "Well, ladies and gents, this should be entertaining."

And I'll make sure Rowan's there to watch the show, but I don't tell Adrian that.

Leaning in just enough to make him feel it, I murmur, "And if you mention him again before then, I won't wait for the pit."

For the first time all night, he looks sober.

Rafe whistles low. "Well. That's one way to ruin a man's week."

"Or cheer one up, depending on how you look at it." I clap Adrian on the shoulder, hard enough to make the point, then turn away and grab my helmet. "Anyway, I'm leaving."

Rafe follows me with a baffled look. "What? Dude, you just got here."

"I know. But Adrian here made me realize there's somewhere I've got to be."

Marius lifts a brow. "Well, that's new." I cut him a look, but he smiles into his drink. "Didn't know you could move that fast for anyone."

Lucan snorts. "Go on, then. Don't keep your boyfriend waiting."

"Shut up." I throw him my middle finger over my shoulder, already grinning as I head for the stairs.

That's right. Just like that, I'm in a great fucking mood.

By the time I'm back at Caervast, night has settled across the campus. I park outside the natatorium, pulling off my helmet and carrying it loose in one hand as I head for the pool.

The corridors are quiet at this hour. Empty enough to feel private.

The pool door opens on humid air and soft blue light, the high glass panels above the water reflecting a thin scatter of stars that ripple with every shift of the surface.

I'm already pulling my shirt over my head before the door shuts behind me, the memory of last night hitting so hard my jaw tightens.

Rowan's mouth. Him going rigid in my arms and then kissing me back anyway. I've been hard ever since I left the Undercrypt. The only thing worse than the ache is how much I want it again.

I strip down to my swim trunks, cross the tile, and toss my clothes onto the bench without looking, my eyes already on the water.

But he isn't there.

I frown, slowing at the edge of the pool.

He should be here by now.

I wonder if last night rattled him more than I thought.

The memory of those soft lips flashes hot through me, Rowan kissing me back like he hated himself for it. Something dark and satisfied twists through my chest before I can stop it.

I'm still looking at the water when I hear it.

A sharp slap of bare feet skids over wet tile behind me, and I barely have time to turn before Rowan crashes into me hard enough to make my shoulder jolt.