Titus snapped his jaw shut, and the rest of the class whimpered.
A scream of despair filled my chest as I forced my frozen neck to turn backforward.
The only thing I’m flirting with is cardiac arrest.
In the front of the dim-lit room, Augustus wore nothing but a toga—his tan arms were on display, muscles bulging obscenely (not that I noticed)—and yet again he was glaring at me.
Apparently, he had a personal vendetta against me living a good life.
People really need to focus on themselves. Ever heard of self-improvement?
I rubbed at the hair ties on my wrists and averted my gaze. The back of my neck prickled like he was still staring.
“Leaping, like oaths and bonding, is all about having a strong concept of home,” Augustus said in Latin as he lectured. “It’s all aboutfocusingon the feeling of safety and protection—most Spartans imagine a person. Now close your eyes and focus.”
Luckily my eyes were already closed (I was going into a coma).
Immediately Charlie popped into my head.
My chest twisted with heartsickness. Sternum burning with misery, I forced my thoughts blank because it hurt too much to think about him.
I didn’t have a home, not anymore.
“Open your eyes. What do you envision?” Augustus asked.
No one spoke.
“Alexis,” he said. “Who did you picture?”
Nails gouged my forearm, and I jolted. I hadn’t realized I was clutching at my tattoo. “I s-saw Charlie. He’s my—” I cut myself off, horrified by how much I was speaking.Don’t tell the Spartans about him. Pull it together, woman.
Augustus’s expression twisted with madness.
Poco hissed.
“Who the fuck—” He walked forward and stopped an inch away from where I sat. “—is Charlie?”
His stance was wide, and he loomed above me with hishands fisted.
Why does he freak out about everything I say?
Swallowing thickly, I tipped my neck back. “No one.”
Long painful seconds passed as he towered in front of me like he was trying to intimidate me with his size.
I rocked back and forth faster.
Augustus unfurled his fist, then leaned forward with his hand extended. He was reaching toward me. My eyes widened, breath hanging in the air between us as he neared in seemingly slow motion.
Everyone in the class stared with anticipation.
I waited (eagerly) for him to strangle me to death.
General Cleandro cleared his throat.
Augustus’s arm snapped back to his side, fingers flexing, and he shook his head like he was coming out of a daze. Poco screamed and stuck out his tongue at me.
I would have screamed back, but I was too exhausted.
