“This wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact Wanda and Norman called you a murderer, would it?” she said pointedly and I nearly chopped my finger clean off.
I looked up from my task, meeting her soft gaze. I expected to see disdain, disapproval, pity. But instead I saw understanding, compassion, and patience.
“Ah, so I hit the jackpot,” she said, and I let out a gruff growl.
I did not wish to have this conversation...
“Plenty ofotherthings stress me out. Like little mischievous faeries who do not listen, or wander off into dangerous forests. Alone.”
As my knife slid through the chicken, butterflying it, she huffed.
“You know what stresses me out?” she bit.
“I have a feeling you will tell me whether I desire to know or not,” I mumbled as I made my way to the stove, turning the gas on. Sure, I could have magicked my way through making a meal, but I never saw the point. I liked cooking with my hands. Focusing on something that had nothing to do with power or ability, and everything to do with control, precision and concentration.
Truth be told, I’d never had the desire or the will to do it for anyone other than myself. Which is why Blackthorn turned a blind eye to my late night kitchen break-ins last year.
The school year hadn’t been an easy one for me, especially when word I was cavorting with a mortal on the mainland came to light.
Word travels fast around these walls, after all.
It wasn’t anyone’s business truly, but the gossip mill of a supernatural academy was no different than the gossip mill of a mortal one. And being as I had garnered somewhat of a reputation from my former trysts, my sex life was considered grade A gossip.
Another reason I knew I should not pursue Violet.
She didn’t need that kind of negative press. After all, she’d only just arrived.
I didn’t wish to tank her entire experience simply because I was... me.
Bane Locke, the Cursed Cock.
Actually has a ring to it, but not in a pleasant way.
“Not knowing where I stand with people. Not knowing whether or not someone truly wants to be my friend, or if they are fake.”
I looked up from my spot at the stove, the heat flaring and sizzling the butter as I sprinkled in the mushrooms and bacon.
“You say Norman and Wandadesireme. And I think... you desire me, too. But up until now, I’ve never been desired by anyone for anything. Girls practicallyhateme back home, and the boys... well, that’s even worse. And when Idotry to make friends, I can never tell if someone is just being polite, or if they genuinely want to be my friend. That’s why I followed Norman and Wanda. Because I don’t have anyfriends, Bane. Back home, or here. Hell, I met Susanne when I arrived, and she wouldn’t even look at me when I said hi to her today, and you—”
I was in front of her in a moment, partly to gather my chicken, but...
I couldn’t help but feel the need to reach out and touch her, soothe whatever ailed her psyche.
“You have Delaney,” I pointed out.
“Point taken. But Delaney is my roommate. She’s also a second year, and we don’t have any classes together...”
“Perhaps, Violet, most of these individuals you speak of are intimidated by you,” I suggested, and she laughed. I hooked my finger under her chin, forcing her to look at me.
Her bright blue eyes looked watery, as if she was about to cry.
Not today, anam cara. Never will you cry when I am here, I will make sure of it.
“Yeah, right,” she said with disdain. “Because this is soooo intimidating,” she said rolling her eyes as she gestured to herself.
“Youare intimidating. You’ve got that tall, dark and brooding thing going for you, plus the sexy wings... the... sexy voice...” She swallowed harshly, blinking momentarily before gazing at me under her lashes. Her chest heaved with breath as she licked her lips. The sigh that escaped them was defeated. “This... this is just mediocre at best,” she said sadly.
“You are far from mediocre,” I said sternly as I tugged her chin with force, holding her in place.
