Cleo crosses her arms. “Professional or not, he’s noticed you, and he keeps you supplied with books. He always has one ready for you. Maybe he just needs a push.”
“She’s right,” Tabby agrees. “He probably feels like he can’t approach you in that way, being your teacher. But he’s protected your secret. If he wanted you gone, he could’ve admitted the bond to the Dean. But he hasn’t.”
“It’s risky,” Holly mutters, glancing around the courtyard fountain as if someone might be listening.
“Everything is risky,” Cleo says. “But the alternative is worse. We’ll think about it tonight. Just… keep it in your back pocket.”
I nod. It’s an option—one I don’t know if I can follow through with. My chest feels heavy just thinking about it.
I keep putting myself out there, trying to appeal to these people, and the rejection stings. Especially from my unfinished bonds. What if he takes the books away?
That’s when I spot Maddox striding across the courtyard, students jumping out of the way. An idea forms. Before I can second-guess myself, I jump up from the fountain.
“Go get ’em,” Holly teases behind me, but I’m already weaving through students.
“Maddox—wait!” I grab his sleeve and tug him toward one of the stone archways, out of the flow of bodies. We’re half-hidden, though it feels like every eye in the courtyard is on us.
I’m sure the sinless nobody pulling the scariest student in the school aside for a chat was not on their bingo card.
He raises an eyebrow, suspicion already etched on his face. “You look guilty before you’ve even said anything. Should I be worried?”
My palms are slick, my throat tight. “I—uh—I know you’re still working on the main potion, but… in the meantime…” I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing a smirk I don’t feel. “Do you have something else? Something that could… loosen me up a bit? Make me… you know… more… noticeable. Attractive. Sexy.”
The word feels like swallowing glass. I can feel my face burning. I’d rather be fighting several venomous cobras than asking this question right now.
Maddox blinks, then coughs out a laugh. “You’re asking me for a love-potion knockoff? Arwen, seriously?”
Heat spikes in my cheeks. “Not like that! I just… need something to stop me from being… stiff. More confident. I’m… awkward, okay? Sexy isn’t exactly my forte. I just need a little… edge.”
He studies me, suspicion replacing amusement. “It’s easy. I could make one in a day. But why? Don’t say it’s for studying. What are you planning to use this for?”
I glance away, fighting the urge to bolt. “It’s for a good reason, alright? It might help me avoid getting expelled and exiled.” I lean in, lowering my voice. “You owe me, Maddox. For all the tutoring, for covering your ass in faction politics. Who’s going to bail you out next year if I’m gone?”
He pinches the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath, then sighs. “You’re insufferable when you’re manipulative.”
“So you'll do it?” I ask, my voice too desperate, eyes too wide.
“Fine.” He looks me dead in the eye, tone sharp and final. “But one condition, Arwen.”
My heart skips. “…What?”
“You don’t use it with Atticus. He’s not trustworthy, Arwen. I’ve seen you around him. He’s his father’s puppet.” His voice is low, unyielding. “Whoever you’re trying to impress or manipulate, leave him out of it.”
I freeze, scrambling for a smile. “Why would I—”
“Promise me.” His gaze locks on mine, unblinking.
The lump in my throat almost chokes me. Does he know about the bond? At least this promise is easy. “I promise. He’s the last person I would use it on, anyway.”
Maddox gives me one last searching look, like he’s looking for lies, before stepping back into the tide of students.
I let out a shaky breath, my pulse still racing.
28
Thou Shalt Not Catch Feelings When Breadsticks Are Involved.
Arwen
