She draws her knees up to her chest, her glare heavy and hot on the side of my face. “Have you ever watched one?”
“No.”
“Then how would you know?”
For that, I have no answer. While the show starts, I return to my tasks while attempting to tune out the sounds of people acting dramatic for no apparent reason and fake falling in love. It’s highly unbelievable that two people would fall for one another in the span of a forty-minute episode.
About halfway through the show, my peripheral vision catches her unlocking her phone, a text on the screen. With my height, I’m able to subtly readjust my position, feigning shifting the computer, and peek at the name. She has it unfortunately labelled with a red heart emoji. Not very telling, but it does suggest it’s her boyfriend, which is a start.
Her nails tapping on the screen combined with the damn show should be everything that blows my brain up—perhaps literally. It’s pure and utter noise that stokes the fire in my mind until exploding is my only way forward.
But it doesn’t. It’s…calming. Someone texting hasneverbeen calming.
What the fuck is it with this woman?
When she huffs, I peek toward the screen again, squinting to barely make out some of the words:hang outandtomorrow.
Perfect.If she’s making plans to meet up with this guy, I might be able to get what Zeno needs and move on.
Her conversation doesn’t last very long before she’s refocusing on the show. Every stupid thing has her reacting in some way or the other, and before long, I’m paying her more attention than my tasks. Her tiny gasps, her legs shuffling, and the bite to her bottom lip—it’s all more distracting than it should be.
Before my thoughts go wayward, I watch the on-screen couple start making out. A few shared words, and then the episode ends.
Serafina switches it off and stands, stretching, and I avert my eyes from where her top pulls tight across her breasts. “I’m heading to bed. Night.”
I nod, keeping my gaze down until she walks away.
Unable to sleep, I remain awake for a while. The dorms are too noisy and too quiet at the same time. People thump above, but the lack of white noise makes sleep even more difficult to come by.
It’s two in the morning by the time I go to my room, her vanilla and peach scent somehow making its way through my door, tainting my room. With a groan, I fall against the door and rub my face.
Her date better go well, because I need to get the fuck out of here for my own sanity.
12
SERAFINA
My second day at university is mostly spent in the dorm. More specifically, locked in my room, unpacking and decorating. Considering this is home for the next few months, I may as well make it comfortable.
Besides, after waking at three in the morning rattled by memories of a strange warehouse and Ivan Volkov’s cruel face laughing with bitter breath, being alone and not having to pretend everything is dandy is preferred.
Even if itisalright. Or will be, anyway. The dreams are only occasional, so I know they’ll fade with time. Ideally, as will the memories. Stuff I tell myself to believe.
I leave twice for the dining hall with my loyal follower; well, following. He sits two tables away, only once getting food for himself. I nearly offer him to join me but don’t. Being friends with my security isn’t really the point of university, and when he’s done the job for my brother and leaves, being attached would make it harder to get used to being without.
Amara is strangely absent, and her explanation is basic at best.
I’m fine, but I have to go home for a bit—family drama. Message you in a few days. I hope to return in time for the party. Have fun with classes…and your hot stalker.
Maybe this is more reason to probe into her family. All she’s ever mentioned are their high expectations for her and that they drive her nuts.
After lunch, I video chat with Madre, keeping updates to a minimum. She’s interested in hearing about campus and my room’s décor. She also asks how Lev’s settling in, which I find difficult to answer when realizing I never asked him.
My afternoon call with Zeno informs him all is well, though I’m certain he’s aware through the updates Lev undoubtedly sends him.
My texts with Alessio have been sporadic. He hasn’t committed to getting together tonight, which would be nice before classes kick off and school keeps me busy. Once it picks up, if he thinks I can drop anything at any time, that won’t be happening. Hangouts will only occur when my workload and studies allow it.
All in all, as eager as I was to start this chapter of my life, day two’s been a bit disappointing. No boyfriend, no best friend, just boredom.
