Only the gods know how long our private training lasts. It feels far too long before Maven calls it and says we'll do this again tomorrow. Apparently, she thinks this torture is valuable, but I decide I won't protest because she might wear another tight shirt tomorrow. I might pray to the gods for that tonight.
As we emerge onto the main level of Everbound Castle, the others automatically head toward the quintet apartment. I turn down the hall that will take me to my office, which has a passable faculty apartment attached. But it's like the gods cursed all of today for me because I hear Silas calling Maven's name and realize she's walking right behind me.
I halt in surprise, scowling down at her.
She keeps her poker face. "We need to talk."
"Not happening. I need to shower. I'm sweaty."
It's the lamest possible excuse, but there it is. My strongest defense, ladies and gentlemen.
"Maven," Silas says again, stopping beside us and frowning at her. "Curfew starts soon. Let's go."
"I'll stay with Everett."
My heart lurches right up into my throat, and I snap, "No, you most certainly will fuckingnot. I don't want you anywhere near me."
"Agreed. Come on," Silas insists. "Baelfire's making dinner, and I'm sure Professor Frost needs to…grade papers."
I've never graded a paper in my life, but I nod.
Maven fixes us both with a look. "Cut the shit. I know you're all keeping me from being around Everett. You think he's a danger to me. Tell me why, or he and I are going to have a talk."
Silas looks at me accusingly, like this is somehowmyfault. I just look heavenward, hoping whatever god gave me this curse will see what a dickhead they are. Respectfully, of course.
"Oakley, just go with Silas."
"Pass."
Okay, I have to push harder if I'm going to keep enough distance between us. "You think I want to fucking talk to you? You just abused and annoyed the hell out of me for hours. I'm exhausted, and I'm going to bed. So go run along with your pussy-whipped groupies and take a shower while you're at it because you smell."
It's a lie. She barely broke a sweat. It's fucking aggravating how good she looks right now.
Silas's jaw clenches at my words, but Maven holds my gaze. "Sure. I'll use your shower."
Why, gods,whydid she have to be this stubborn and attractive? It's ludicrous. I rub the back of my neck, exhausted, confusingly horny, and extremely done with having to ignore her all the damn time. Deep down, I'm aching for her.
But I need to keep up the arrogant asshole front that will keep her at arm's length. This is the best way to protect her from my curse.
"I am not doing this right now," I grit.
"Great. Then I hope you have an extra blanket. I'll sleep on the floor."
She brushes past me toward my office. I debate running away to hide somewhere pathetic, like one of the school's public restrooms. But finally, I sigh and follow her.
"If anything even remotely unpleasant happens to her, I'll kill you," Silas warns from behind me.
Very helpful. "You missed your calling as a fucking cheerleader. Now go away."
If Maven insists on talking to me, I'll just have to be as unpleasant as possible and get her out of my space quickly. Maybe if I can get into a big fight with her, that might help me stop thinking about her so much.
It's pathetic, but it's all I have.
By the time I reach my office, Maven is waiting. I try to give her a death glare, but I'm sure it looks more like I'm pouting as I unlock my office to let us inside. The automatic mage lights built into every faculty office glow softly, dimmed slightly for the nighttime.
Maven pauses to take in my office. "Tidy."
"I hate messes. I also hate pushy keepers who can't mind their own fucking business."
