Page 75 of A Taste of Torment
I frown. “How do they look at me?”
“Like a meal.”
I grimace. I’m not sure which way he means that—they desire me or want to rip me apart? Maybe both.
My mind jumps to my potion brewing deep below us, and I long for it to be ready. I need more too. I need something offensive. Something to put those pups in their place if they do decide to push their boundaries when Jarron isn’t around.
Jarron’s thumb caresses my cheek. “What are you thinking about?”
I blink. “Ways to put them in their place if it comes to that.”
“Good girl,” he purrs. His words send a shiver down my spine. “And what did you come up with?”
“Not much yet. I’ll look for another potion this week and see if I can find something.”
“I have something that could help if you’re interested.”
“Oh?”
He nods with a mischievous smile. “We can go back to my room now if that’s okay. I’ll give you a little gift and then walk you back to Minor Hall.”
I bite my lip, unsure how to define the feelings shifting through me. I won’t give voice to the things swirling beneath the surface. I may be starting to trust Jarron more, but I can’t let my guard down completely.
And, even if I did, all of this is pretend. Make believe.
We aren’t really together.
Jarron wouldn’t want someone like me.
29
Too Late for I’m Sorry
We givea few casual goodbyes to the party and head back to Jarron’s room, which is right around the corner. In the hall, two boys leap back from each other with squeals of panic and then scramble away the moment they see us.
Jarron chuckles.
“Does it ever bother you, the way they fear you?”
“Why would it?”
I smirk and shrug. “It would bother some people.”
“Would it bother you?”
“No,” I say too quickly. My cheeks warm. “I’d enjoy it.”
Jarron’s eyes shine with some unknown emotion, then he pushes open the doors to his room for me.
His room is pristine, as usual. The bed is covered in smooth black silk without a wrinkle in sight. And yet, his pile of notes and books still sit in the corner untouched.
“What are behind those doors?” I ask, nodding to the two single doors on the left wall.
“That one is a closet. Nothing too interesting. This one, though.” He pushes open the door, and a warm light automatically flicks on, followed by purple and blue inlet lighting, revealing a massive luxurious bathroom.
“Wow.”. There’s a huge rainfall shower with slate grey tiles. A porcelain tub and double sinks.
“You’re welcome to use it any time you like.”
