Free Bridges Burned (Entangled Teen) (Going Down in Flames) by Chris Cannon

again.
    “What was that about?”
    “The spiky-haired nitwit was approaching. If he wants to apologize, you should make him work for it.”
    “He should’ve told me the truth… Finding Nola on my doorstep was humiliating.”
    “He showed up with her at your door?” Valmont’s eyes narrowed.
    “What are you plotting?”
    “If I tell you, you’ll be an accomplice.”
    “Why don’t we forget about him for tonight and have fun? Unless there’s someplace you have to be.” A guy like Valmont must have a girl waiting for him somewhere.
    “I’m your knight.” His tone held complete sincerity. “My place is by your side for as long as you need me.”
    Her throat became tight. “Thank you. I’d love it if you’d stay and help me regain my dignity.”
    “Am I allowed to torment him?”
    She didn’t even have to think about it. “Hell, yes.”

Chapter Nine
    Valmont pulled her close and placed her hand on his chest. He rested his free hand on her lower back, where his fingers brushed bare skin. Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. No two ways about it. Her knight was hot. Dark hair and blue eyes were a killer combination. He smelled like soap and sunshine.
    “You could forget about Zavien.” His voice came close to her ear.
    Was he joking? He’d never acted interested in her before. Maybe that’s because she’d been with Zavien. Raising her head, she met his gaze.
    “Just a thought,” he said.
    The song ended.
    Zavien approached with a wary expression on his face. “Bryn, would you like to dance?”
    “Bite me.”
    “I believe that’s a no.” Valmont delivered this news in a cheery tone. “Shall we?” He moved her along to the music while she imagined Zavien’s hair going up in flames.
    “Tell me what you’re thinking,” Valmont whispered in her ear.
    “I wish my life were simpler.”
    “Simple is boring.”
    They swayed in silence until the song ended. Clint and Ivy joined them.
    “Are you okay?” Ivy asked.
    “I’m managing. Valmont is helping.”
    “Why don’t we get something to drink?” Clint pointed across the room to the tables decorated with ice sculptures shaped like trees, which Nola and Zavien had designed, which made her want to shoot a fireball at them. But setting the room on fire might ruin the evening for the other students.
    After grabbing glasses of punch, the foursome wound their way back outside to the terrace.
    “It’s a perfect night for flying,” Bryn said.
    “It is,” Valmont agreed.
    “You don’t have wings,” Clint said.
    Ivy elbowed him.
    “What? I wasn’t being rude. I’m pretty sure he knows he’s not a dragon.”
    “I fly planes.” Valmont grinned at Bryn. “You should come with me some time.”
    “Bryn, can we talk?” a feminine voice asked.
    It couldn’t be. Bryn turned around, praying she was wrong. No such luck. “What do you want, Nola?”
    “Perhaps it’s best if we move away from the others? It’s personal.” She wandered farther down the terrace.
    Bryn shoved her glass of punch at Valmont and joined Nola.
    “This is awkward.” Nola’s cheeks flushed. “I noticed how upset you were when I showed up with Zavien. When I asked him what the problem was, he said you might have misunderstood his invitation.”
    That lying, evil rat bastard.
    Nola clasped her hands in front of her chest. “You thought he asked you to attend the dance as his date, didn’t you?”
    At least she didn’t have to lie. “I did.”
    “What you feel for him is a crush. It will pass.”
    It certainly would. Right after she cremated the son of a bitch. “Did Zavien send you?”
    “No, he thinks I’m circulating.” Nola placed her hand on Bryn’s shoulder. “Zavien has gone out of his way to make sure you’re taken care of. You shouldn’t mistake his kindness for anything but friendship.”
    A small growl escaped her throat. “Maybe you should ask Zavien how kind he’s been to me.”
    Nola shook her head. “You’re young. He’s a flirt. I can