Page 285 - Fourth Wing

“I’m not going to baby you like Aetos does,” he says without turning

around. “That’s only going to get you killed once we get out of Basgiath.”
“He doesn’t baby me.”

“He does and you know it. You hate it, too, if the vibe I’m picking up on

is any indication.” He falls back to walk at my side. “Or did I read that
wrong?”

“He thinks this place is too dangerous for someone…like me, and after

what just happened, I’m not sure I can really argue with him.” I was asleep.
That’s the only time we’re supposed to be guaranteed safety around here. “I

don’t think I’ll bother sleeping again.” I shoot a look sideways at his

irritatingly gorgeous profile. “And if you even think about suggesting that
you sleep with me for safety from now on—”

He scoffs. “Hardly. I don’t fuck first-years—even when I was one—let
alone…you.”

“Who said anything about fucking?” I fire back, cursing myself as the

ache in my ribs only intensifies. “I’d have to be a masochist to sleep with
you, and I can assure you, I’m not.” Fantasizing about it doesn’t count.

“Masochist, huh?” A corner of his mouth quirks into a smirk.
“You hardly give off snuggly morning-after vibes.” A smile of my own

curves my lips. “Unless you’re worried about me killing you while we

sleep.” We round a corner, and the tunnel continues.
“I have zero concern about that. As violent as you are, and skilled with

those daggers, I’m not even sure you could kill a fly. Don’t think I didn’t

notice that you managed to wound three of them and never went for a kill
shot.” He shoots a disapproving look my way.

“I’ve never killed anyone,” I whisper like it’s a secret.

“You’re going to have to get over that. All we are after graduation are
weapons, and it’s best if we’re honed before leaving the gates.”

“Is that where we’re going? Are we leaving the gates?” I’ve lost all sense
of direction in here.