Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page B

firelight. She smiled back at him and lowered her forehead affectionately against his chest.
    â€œWell, I’m outta here,” Ben announced, climbing to his feet.
    â€œLater,” Matt said, without looking up.
    Ben started jogging over the dune. “Bring some money tomorrow night,” he called back to Matt. “Steal it if you have to.”
    â€œHe’s a class guy, isn’t he?” Matt said quietly, holding April close.
    She made a face, then glanced over at Todd, who was by himself at the edge of the blanket, staring at the fire, not talking to anyone. She saw that he was twirling the blue plastic lighter between his fingers, moving it back and forth in his hand, the way he always did when he felt nervous or uncomfortable.
    April started to say something to him, but before she could, Matt put his hand on her chin, tilted her head up to his, and began to kiss her.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    â€œThat one,” Jessica said, red eyes aflame, peering at Gabri in the darkness.
    â€œWhich one?” Gabri asked, floating beside her, the wind filling his outspread wings.
    â€œThe blond girl,” Jessica said impatiently.
    The two bats lowered themselves toward the ring of teenagers around the campfire, but stayed high enough to remain in the dark and out of sight.
    â€œShe’s perfect for you, Gabri,” Jessica said, her voice a wet whisper through her slender, pointed fangs. “Look at that blond hair, those rosy, milk-fed cheeks, that wholesome good health. She’s just your type!” A hiss of laughter escaped her small opening of a mouth.
    â€œNo!” Gabri whispered, fluttering his black wings in agitation. “That big lunk of a boy has his arm around her. He’s kissing her. She has a boyfriend, Jessica. I really must protest.”
    â€œI really must protest.” Jessica imitated his voice, mocking him. “You really sound like a bad movie, Gabri.”
    â€œI don’t care. I protest. The girl you’ve chosen for me has a boyfriend. How am I to win her affections if—”
    â€œYou didn’t think I’d make it easy for you!” Jessica declared, another hiss of laughter spraying the night sky.
    She soared high as he attempted to bump her, then allowed herself to float back beside him. “Of course, if you’d like to give up now . . . ” she teased.
    â€œNo!” Gabri cried, tilting toward the leaping flames below, then swooping easily away. His tiny red eyes peered through the darkness, attaching to April like evil radar, studying her carefully.
    â€œWell?” Jessica asked impatiently.
    â€œI accept the challenge,” Gabri replied, a gob of white spittlesliding down the fur of his chin. “The girl is so luscious—so ready —so ripe.”
    â€œSave the poetry for when you’re alone with her,” Jessica snapped. “You really are the biggest jerk. Were you this bad when you were alive?”
    Gabri’s bat eyes narrowed as he stared hard into hers. Even in bat form, the eyes revealed deep sorrow. “I don’t remember,” he whispered. “I don’t think I ever was alive.”
    Jessica refused to allow herself to be touched by his words. She filled the air with dry, scornful laughter.
    â€œNever mind!” he cried hoarsely, ruby eyes lighting with fury. He tilted away from her, swooping just above the yellow light of the fire.
    Suspended in the night air, wings outstretched, allowing the wind and currents to carry him this way, then that, Gabri stared down at the shifting figures around the fire.
    â€œHave you found a victim for me?” Jessica asked, her voice drifting down from somewhere above.
    â€œYes,” Gabri hissed, encircling his rodentlike body with his wings, then shooting them out and soaring back up to meet her.
    â€œWhich one?” Jessica asked eagerly, her lips wet with