Chapter 15. I Can’t Be with You

Xerina’s POV

My mood took a spin for the rest of the party, sinking faster than a rock in a pond. I plastered on a smile as I greeted Chrissy’s mom and dad, but my mind was elsewhere. I had one mission: find Rasmus. I knew he was here. I could feel his presence like an impending storm.

One thing about Rasmus was that he could make himself practically invisible if he chose to. But for some inexplicable reason, that trick never worked on me. I’ve always been painfully aware of him and the unbearable hold he had on me. Tonight, I intended to confess my feelings. Or at least, that was the plan before my thoughts were hijacked by the sight of him.

And then I saw him.

There he was, standing by the porch with a glass of whiskey in his hand, looking around with his usual poker face. Didn’t matter what expression he wore—Rasmus always looked like a god sculpted by Michelangelo on an exceptionally good day.

His sharp features and a jawline that could pro