She smiled. “Well... it was kind of nice watching Stefan kick Andrik’s teeth in.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Stefan turned Andrik’s face into mashed potatoes. He won’t bother you again, that’s for sure.”
Delmare ran a hand through her wet hair. “I didn’t know Stefan could be so brutal. It was scary.”
“Because he loves you, Mare. He risked giving up his admission at Arcanea University to defend you,” I said. “He didn’t even have to think twice.”
Delmare stared at the carpet introspectively. “I’m just glad you guys showed up,” she whispered. “If Stefan hadn’t stopped him...”
“Don’t finish that sentence. Nothing happened,” I said. “Nothing is ever going to happen to you, as long as Stefan is around.”
She smiled slightly. Ethan knocked, then poked his head into the room. “Stefan’s back,” he said. “If you’re ready, he wants to talk to you.”
Ethan closed the door slowly. Delmare shot up from the bed. “Shit! I can’t talk to himnow. My hair isn’t dry, and I don’t have any makeup on!”
“Mare! Stefan doesn’t give a shit about your makeup or hair!” I shouted. Gods, this was the girl who complained about Gabby getting her nails done. Pot calling the kettle black much?
“He’s never seen me like... this.” She gestured to herself. “I look like a mess.”
“You look fine. Except I suggest changing out of that robe, because if he walks in here with you wearingthat,I’m sure it’s gonna come off tonight,” I joked.
“Ugh. You’re right.” Delmare started rummaging through her clothes. “What do I say to him, Emma?”
“I don’t know. Do youwantto talk to him?” I asked.
She paused. “Yes. I think I should.”
“Then you should be honest with him about your feelings,” I said. “Even if it’s scary.”
She bunched a shirt into her hands and did not answer. I think she was still on the fence, and I didn’t blame her. Tonight was not the time for making decisions.
“Are you okay being alone with him?” I asked.
She nodded. “I know he’s not going to hurt me. He proved that tonight.”
“Okay. Then we’ll let him in.” I gave her a hug. “I love you, Mare.”
“I love you too.” She pushed me out the door. “Now stall him, so I can find something to wear.”
Stefan was waiting in the Rec Room with Ethan, standing calmly near the fireplace. Instead of rage filling his features, it was worry.
“How is she?” he asked. His voice was strangled.
“She’s doing better. Are you banned from school?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Professor Lunesta knows Andrik is a piece of shit. She let me off easy with a warning. I’ll be back in class next week.”
“What’d he get?” I asked, desiring some justice.
“Lunesta is going to try to get him kicked out on attempted rape charges, but it’s not going to work,” Stefan said. “Eli’s king now, so he’ll make sure his buddy doesn’t face any consequences.”
“Forget about him,” Ethan said. “You should talk to Delmare. Work things out.”
Stefan’s face cleared. “Does she want to speak to me?”
“Yes. She needs you right now,” I said. “Go!”
Stefan headed to Delmare’s room. He opened the door with a bit of hesitation, but once he saw her face, I watched him relax. I didn’t feel relief until he’d shut the door behind him.
