Page 133 of Poet & Protector

He ran a fingertip down my sleeve. “I also wanted to show you that I care about the things you like. Your preferences. You have exceptional taste in clothing.”

“Thank you,” I said grudgingly.

It would have been nice if he cared more about my preferences regarding bodily autonomy and romantic relationships than my sense of style.

But I knew if I was going to play this game I had to throw Logan the occasional bone, so I added, “You’re not too shabby yourself in the fashion department.”

That seemed like a safe enough compliment.

He smiled at me. “I’m glad you noticed.”

Glancing at the armoire, he said, “I threw in a few things from my favorite designers that I think will suit you. I hope you like them.”

“I’m sure I will.” I forced a smile onto my face. It was painful.

Something about my reply drew him even closer; he rested his hand on my lower back. I couldn’t stop myself from freezing up when he leaned in and whispered, “You don’t know what to do with me, do you, Mason?”

“No.”

He laughed, his breath flowing over my cheek. Then I felt the brush of his lips on my skin before he stepped back.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I can be patient if you need me to be.”

Offering him another fake smile, I nodded. Yes, I needed him to be patient. Like, for all eternity.

“And I haven’t stolen the clothes you wore here,” he added. “They’re being laundered. I’ll have them sent to your house. I’ll also have someone collect your car from the Nightshade compound and drive it to school so it’s waiting for you at the end of the day. You won’t be inconvenienced.”

“I appreciate that.”

“It was good spending time with you, Mason,” he said. “Even though you’re hopeless at Mortal Kombat.”

“I seem to remember beating you at pool several times,” I countered. “You can stop gloating.”

He laughed, then his expression became regretful. “It might be a while before we can do this again. I don’t know that I’ll have time with the union coming up.”

“I understand.” I hoped he was very, very busy. Before the union and after.

Glancing at his watch, Logan said, “We should get going or we’ll be late.”

As I gathered my things, I could breathe more easily, knowing that I was finally going to get out of that room and that house. Unfortunately, despite what Logan said about his busy schedule, I had a nagging feeling it wouldn’t be long before I was back.

* * *

The Mountain School

Thursday morning

I swallowed a groan when I saw both Ansel and Nev waiting for me at my locker.

“Hey.”

They moved aside as I opened my locker, emptying books from my bag except those I needed for first period.

“Hey?” Ansel repeated. “Hey? Mason, what happened to you yesterday?”

“My phone died and I didn’t have a charger.”

“No way. You’re not using that excuse again.” His nose wrinkled. “Why do you smell different?”