Maybe Max is having feelings too, seeing as he’s ordered two meals for himself.
34
Some of the excitement falls out of the day after Wes essentially dumps us via text.
I can tell my lovely Donovan is worried sick—and I am too.
Though I can't deny my mood lifts briefly when I remember how despairing Cosmo looked as he dragged himself off to meet Jordan at the manicurist. Karma is not always a bitch. Sometimes, she’s a dish served perfectly chilled.
Lunch is delicious, and I’ve eaten so much I feel like I’m about to pop.
“Can I have this in a go-box?”
Max is getting the server to pack up his untouched second lunch. As we head outside, he veers off.
What’s he up to?
Color me surprised when I see him placing the container in front of a homeless guy, sitting under a filthy blanket down the street.
It’s not performative at all. I get the feeling this is something Maximus does every time he eats out.
Under all the antics, it seems Maximus is a real softy.
When we arrive back at the academy, Donovan and Max help me and Willow with our enormous garment bags.
“We can take it from here, fellas,” Willow says. “Operation: Glam as all get-out is commencing.”
“The limousine will be outside Defectivum at seven,” Donovan says, kissing my forehead.
“Yikes! We need to get a wriggle on.” Willow raises an eyebrow at me. “How are you at applying temporary golden freckles?”
???
Four hours later, as Willow and I descend the stairs to the main lobby, my heart leaps because Ludo is waiting there in the shadows.
My eyes are immediately drawn to him.
—Beautiful—
I smooth my hands over the skirt, then look up at him.—I wish you were escorting me too—
—I also, as I’d prefer to keep you within my sight, but I will keep the brother safe, Nymph—
The intensity of his gaze makes me swallow.
—Thank you—See you when I get back—
Stepping outside, Duncan greets us. “Whoa! Theo, Willow, you guys look amazing!”
He starts taking photos with his phone, then the three of us take a selfie just as the limousine pulls up.
Max and Donovan exit from the rear, both looking absolutely mouth-watering. And yes, I know I shouldn’t be ogling Maximus, but it’s hard not to.
He’s filled out Donovan’s tux until the seams strain; that Hulk-thing he has going on is pretty hot. And with the bad-boy buzz-cut and tattoos, Max looks like a dark and dangerous deviant—a hellhound in human form.
Donovan, even though he’s also muscled-bound, appears far more graceful—elegant even. His aqua eyes sparkle as he takes me in. “Tee! Outstanding!”
“Thank you, kind sir.” I do a pirouette and take his hand.
