Page 53 of The Claiming

He has pursued me and won and despite my anger at losing, it’s still a sweet defeat. If I’m honest with myself, Frankie is the only guy at Rockwell that interests me because I am drawn to his dark, twisted soul, which says a lot about me.

So, I kiss him back, matching his hunger and as I lose myself in his possession, it’s almost a relief.

His hand holds the back of my head in place as he deepens the kiss and a shiver of desire ripples through my body. I am more surprised to find this kiss isn’t enough. I want more of him. I want to experience what it’s like to be the center of his world. I accept the inevitable, welcome it even and as we kiss with a desperation borne from sexual tension, I’d agree to just about anything he asked for right now.

Voices somehow infiltrate my mind and as we pull apart, the smile we share is an easy one. This may even work and so it’s with a great sense of relief that we leave the laundry and I don’t miss Jack’s surprise as we join him in the hallway.

“I’m not gonna ask.” He shakes his head, but I don’t miss his concern as he studies me with deep interest. I shrug slightly, causing him to huff, “I’m gonna walk Siri home. Are you coming, Cassie?”

There is a slight edge to his voice as he asks the question, and I nod, shaking away the surprising urge to say no.

Siri bounds downstairs in Jack’s t-shirt and it reminds me of my own adventure with the man standing beside me, silent but most definitely scheming.

I’m beginning to realize that he has the most conniving mind and I’m guessing is already three steps ahead of the rest of us as he plans his next move. I suppose that’s what intrigues me the most about him and, without consulting him first, I smile at Siri.

“It’s been an eventful evening and I’m beat. Are you feeling okay?”

I nod to the dressing on her arm and she makes a face.

“It hurts like hell, but I’ll take a painkiller and sleep will help.”

She smiles at Frankie.

“Don’t tell my folks. I can do without their fussing and the wound will have healed before the holidays.”

“I wasn’t going to.” Frankie shrugs. “I tell my folks nothing at all, so why would I start with yours?”

“Good point.”

Siri shakes her head. “Come on. I’ve had enough for one night.”

She turns to Frankie. “You will tell us if Abigail turns up. I’m worried about her.”

“Of course.”

As Jack and Siri turn to go, I hesitate and then lean in and whisper, “This changes nothing. I’m still pissed at you.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, baby girl.”

His lips brush against mine and, with a wicked glint in his eye, he angles his head toward the door.

“See you tomorrow, Cassie, and then the fun really begins.”

I say nothing and merely smile as I walk away, flipping him the bird behind my back as I leave, his soft chuckle following me. As we hit the fresh air outside, I hate that I’m already missing him and as Siri chats to Jack all the way home, I wonder if this could be the start of something good for all of us.

* * *

My first thoughtwhen I wake is Abigail. Siri is still sleeping peacefully, her gentle breathing echoing in the morning light. It was a lot yesterday and I am still coming to terms with it and I hope more than anything that Abigail made it home.

It’s early and the weekend, so there are no lessons today. Siri had suggested heading into the nearby town, which I’m excited to do. I need some space from Rockwell and could use some supplies and would like to check out our surroundings.

Rather than disturb Siri, I pull on my running shorts and a top and slip out of the dorm, noting how quiet it is—unusually so. I envy Jack living in a house because the dorm is always full of activity and the walls are paper thin.

However, this morning I am the only person awake it seems and as I slip out of the side door, I drag in deep breaths of the fresh morning air.

I set off at a gentle jog and my journey takes me into the woods where the dungeon is hidden. Not many people come here because its path is overgrown and some way from the academy, but I’m curious to see it the day after the event.

The path makes it difficult to jog, and as I move through the trees, I relish the sound of nature accompanying me. This is what I love. Solitude. It allows me to regroup, to breathe easier and to work problems out in my head and I have a big one that goes by the name of Frankie Majerio.

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