We left Jade’s office so he could jerk off to his organized pile of papers, or whatever it was he did when left alone.
“Can you believe this douchebag?” I muttered as we walked down the hall.
Saffron grinned. “Honestly? It’s you I can’t believe.”
“Why?”
His voice was casual and airy, like he was in a better mood. “You weren’t totally honest with me earlier about your feelings for Mylo.”
Just hearing his name made my chest feel weird again.
“How so?” I asked.
“I talked to him today during the challenge.”
My legs stopped. “What?”
Saffron paused, too. “I wanted a one-on-one conversation with him. I had to know his honest feelings about you, and how you felt about him.” He smiled. “It’s time for you to be honest, too, Aurum. Trust your instincts.”
My cheeks flushed. I felt overwhelmed. “What are you talking about?”
“C’mon, bro. You’re notthatdense. Admit it. You like Mylo.”
“’Course I like him. He’s nice. And cute.”
Saffron snorted. “That’s it? You kicked two people off the show for insulting him, you cuddled him right in front of everybody during the challenge, and you just pitched a fit because Jade wouldn’t let you see him for a couple hours.”
My jaw dropped. “Those are all normal reactions!” I argued. “It doesn’t mean I...”
I bit my lip. I couldn’t say it.
Because if I said it out loud, it would be too real.
My heart fluttered like a trapped bird. I liked Mylo, yeah, but I wasn’t inlovewith him.
Was I?
My breath caught in my throat. I’d never loved anybody before, not romantically. I didn’t know what it felt like.
Did it feel like... this?
Saffron put his hand on my shoulder. He must’ve realized I was internally panicking. Thank Holy Drake he knew not to tease me right now. If he did, I might’ve fallen apart.
“It’s okay,” he said. “Breathe.”
I sucked in a shaky inhale. My lungs felt electrified. My entire body tingled with a strange new energy. It wasn’t even bad, just... different.
“I’m good,” I mumbled, more to convince myself of it than anything else.
Saffron’s fingers tightened on my shoulder. His firm touch brought me down to earth. I shook off the jitters.
“Phew. Thanks,” I said.
“Don’t worry about it. By the way...” He paused, leaning closer with a conspiratorial grin. “Remember when I told you to trust me? I’ve got a plan.”
I grinned back. “A secret plan? With you,bro? I’m in.”
Mischievous energy sparkled in Saffron’s eyes. “Go sit by Crimson’s room. I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”
