Page 48 of UNAwere

He sighs, running a hand across his beard. ‘Lesson’s over.’

‘What? Already?’

‘Yep.’

I grunt, getting up. ‘Fine.’

‘What are you doing?’

‘I’m going back to the room.’

‘You haven’t finished your dinner.’

‘I don’t want it.’

‘You’re still hungry,’ he grates.

I wave a hand. ‘I’ll survive.’

Briggs growls, his chair squeaking across the tiles of the restaurant as he forces himself up to follow me.

‘You don’t have to come,’ I say as he stalks me back to the room. ‘You can finish your meal. We’re in Primrose territory now. I’m sure I’m safe.’

‘You’re not safe anywhere except right by my side.’

I unlock the door and go in, not holding it open. I hear Briggs catch it and his thumping footsteps as he follows me. He’s so close his breath is skimming the back of my neck, and I hate that the feeling comes back – the warmth. The electricity.

The need.

I spin on him, and he stops in his tracks before he collides with me.

‘Leave me alone.’

His nostrils flare. He takes a deep breath. His top lip curls. But then he spins and sits down in the chair in the corner of the room and says nothing.

I go about getting ready for bed. I shower and change into my oversized tee. I clean my teeth and brush my hair, tossing it into a high bun. My stomach is gnawing, and I feel like my skin is crawling, but I ignore it and climb into bed. I check the messages on my phone.

There’s one from Maeve, with a photo of her and Drew training. Drew’s biceps are straining, and she’s captioned the photo with, Muscles big enough to carry all my personalities.

I giggle, covering my mouth with my hand.

Me

He’s too old for you.

She replies instantly.

Maevey

He’s been asking about you, though…

Me

He’s a bit too late for all that.

Maevey

Men are dumb.