So, I step aside, steeling myself against the sting as she bolts, not hesitating. Flying down the stairs and out the door.
Strike two and unless someone changes the rules soon, I’m dangerously close to knocking myself out of the game altogether.
I slump into the chair she vacated, studying the cover of the book she left behind. Her favourite artist and mine, too, but I doubt she wants to hear that. She refuses to see the myriad ways we’re connected.
I wait till nearer the bell before rising from the chair, checking out the book downstairs. The librarian argues Avon had it on request, but a few pointed words and she falls into compliance.
If only my obsession could be so easily swayed.
Fourth period drags as I work out a new conversation in my head. Replaying it, testing out the cadence, substituting words until it’s as perfect as I can make it.
The twin pulls of anticipation and dread tear at me as I approach the art block. I’m one of the first in and take the seat near Avon’s again, staring out the window, fingers tapping with impatience.
The rest of the class files inside, loud with the high spirits last period classes always share.
It’s not until ten minutes into the lesson that I accept she’s not coming. This is her favourite subject, she seems a stickler for the rules, but she bunked off rather than sit next to me for an hour.
The rejection cuts deep but I’m not done yet.
One more try. Tomorrow morning.
And I pray that this time, I don’t strike out.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
AVON
My head is somessed up that after skipping my last two classes on Thursday, I’m tempted to play hooky all Friday as well.
After a stern talking to, I force myself to get ready. If I skip again, it will get to be a habit. Next thing you know, my dreams will slip through my fingers, just like Mr Simmons warned.
At school, Wilder has Clare draped over the arm of his chair in the common room, and I gesture her to stay when she’d otherwise stand. It’s nice to see her so happy and I feel a genuine thrill, thinking of what Zane said. That Wilder had wanted to pursue her but didn’t. It also shows a depth of consideration I didn’t think he had.
Zane arrives beside my locker soon after, and my stomach flip flops. Despite not being a mufti day, he wears the glossy black shirt from my favourite photo, the buttons undone halfway down his chest. A sight so enticing, it pains me to tear my eyes away.
As I fumble with my textbooks, he rolls up his shirtsleeves until his bulging muscles stop him, the material straining, eachripple underneath showcased by the tight fabric. He smirks as he sees me watching. “Did you get sick?”
“Sure. Let’s go with that.”
He grabs the top corner of my locker door, boxing me in. “I want to show you something. After school.”
“Your dick? Seen it. Unimpressive.”
His eyes widen, then he laughs, ruffling my hair and stepping away. “Not that but if you insist…” His hands drop to his belt, the long, thick fingers curling over and pulling the leather tongue through the buckle.
A rush of saliva fills my mouth and I snap my gaze away. “What is it, then?”
“It’s at home. I’ll drive you.”
“Fuck, off. I’m not getting into a car with you, and I never want to step foot in your house again.” Just the thought of entering his mansion gives me a chill.
“It’s in the backyard. You can use the path down the side.” He rubs the back of his neck, his shirt gaping wider as he scans the corridor, then leans in to say in a low voice, “Look, you don’t want me and that’s okay, but I have something you will want. Something you can’t get anywhere else.”
“Right,” I scoff, shaking my head. “Money? A fancy car? A freehold house with a lakefront view?”
“Those too, but… just let me show you. If you’re not interested, I won’t ask again. We can go our separate ways.”
I take a step back, frowning. His presence is as distracting and worrying as usual, the offer a dozen times more bizarre, but he appears in earnest. I clutch my books tight against my chest, head buzzing with so much static I’m unsure how to answer. “And when you get me home, you’ll what? Tie me in the tool shed. Lock me in the basement.”
