Read Online Deception by B. C. Burgess - Free Book Online

sis.”
    Skyla smirked at the siblings then looked at Layla. “Are you racing?”
    “Yeah,” Layla answered, “but you guys can't laugh too hard if my inexperience shows.”
    “I can handle that,” Banning agreed, flashing a smile that stretched into his baby-blue eyes, “because I'll be busy laughing at the dust in Bri’s mouth.”
    Brietta elbowed him in the ribs, and he responded by flipping her upside down and tickling her stomach.
    “Stop,” she squealed, kicking her legs.
    “Are you ready?” Quin asked, drawing Layla’s attention away from the comedic duo.
    “As ready as I'll ever be,” she answered.
    He smiled at her then looked to the others. “Line up.”
    Banning and Brietta’s scuffle ended as they pushed each other away. Then they followed Skyla to the other side of Quin.
    “How many laps?” Brietta asked.
    “Two,” Quin answered. “Everyone ready?”
    “Yep,” they confirmed, leveling their bodies out, so Layla followed suit, trying to ignore her flipping stomach.
    “On three,” Quin continued. “And no cheating, Bann.”
    “Come on,” Banning countered. “I wouldn't cheat when there's a newbie in the race.”
    Quin winked at Layla, then looked ahead. “One . . . two . . . three.”
    The five of them shot forward, and Quin took the lead right away. Layla scowled at him, noting how calm he looked as he gained speed, his agile and powerful form fine as ever. Not fair . She probably looked like a crazy woman with wild hair and an awkward posture.
    She straightened, trying to make herself more aerodynamic while sharpening her concentration and reaching for her limits; and she reaped a reward when Brietta disappeared from her peripherals.
    Entering the second lap, Layla was less than an arm's length behind Quin, and she had no idea where the others were. At least she wasn’t losing, but she didn’t like falling behind Quin. Not because she was a sore loser, but because she struggled to compete with him in every aspect of their relationship. She was tired of being the amateur, damn it, so she put her head down and focused on moving faster. The next time she looked up, she was drawing even with his knees.
    “Ha,” she approved, spurring a fresh burst of magic. They were almost to the finish line.
    She looked over right before pulling upright, and was pleased to see Quin’s waist. She didn’t win, but there was a chance she’d beat him next time.
    They both flipped vertical then spun around, looking for the others.
    “Nuh-uh,” Layla mumbled. They’d beat their competition by more than half a lap!
    “I told you,” Quin laughed, pulling her under his arm. “You’ll soon beat me at everything.”
    The remaining competitors sped close and pulled to a halt.
    “Geez, Layla,” Banning exclaimed. “Why haven't you been out here kicking my sister's butt before now? I had no idea you could already fly that fast.”
    Layla shrugged as her cheeks warmed. “I didn’t know either. That’s the first time I've pushed myself.”
    Brietta’s eyes widened, amplifying the various shades of green circling her pupil. “Really?”
    Layla nodded, and Brietta flashed a cheeky smile as she pointed at Quin. “Ha! It's about time someone gave you a taste of your own medicine. I hope I get to see it the first time she beats you.”
    “It won't be long,” he returned, “so watch closely.”
    Layla looked at him, wondering if his ego was on the line, but he looked neither jealous nor insecure as he found her gaze and wiggled her nose. “Stop. You’re amazing and deserve every win you get.”
    Warmth flushed her veins as she cuddled into his side, glad he’d rather lift her up than push her down.
    “I got you this time,” Skyla giggled, poking Banning’s stomach.
    “I wasn’t trying,” Banning claimed. “I didn't want you coming in last again.”
    “Whatever. I beat you fair and square.”
    Banning dropped the façade, smiling as he softly tugged on the waterfall of cinnamon-and-sugar