Page 113 of A Taste of Torment
“Oh, right.” He approaches. “It’s not that much different from where we were before, is it?” He sits on the edge of the bed.
“It’s not much different and it’s entirely different at the same time.”
He smiles, still seeming incredibly at ease.
“You’re a morning person, aren’t you?” I complain.
Jarron laughs, full and hearty. I stare at him.God, he is a morning person.
“You’ve been getting up at the butt crack of dawn for weeks to work on those potions. You’re a morning person too.”
“No, I’m a stubborn bitch. I wake because I make myself. That doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. People in Minor Hall are afraid of me during breakfast, and I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do with my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend,” he whispers. “I think that’s the first time you’ve said that.”
My lips part, but I slam them shut.
“Are you hungry in the mornings? I can have food brought up.”
“Starving. Make it lots of protein, and at least something tasty and carby.”
He smiles. “Done. Coffee? Orange juice? Hard liquor?”
I grimace. I’m confident he’s joking, but the thought of alcohol makes my stomach sour. “I’ll take the orange juice. Hold the coffee and liquor.”
“Your wish is my command,” he says, bowing at the waist. Then, he walks straight out the door of his room.
We don’t have much left to prove about our relationship. Now, it’s about the real implications of these feelings because I have no idea what to do with them. I have a suspect for my sister’s murder, but it’s not a strong one. I no longer suspect Jarron was involved, but even that isn’t based on evidence.
Is it wishful thinking?
I heave in a sigh, knowing it really doesn’t matter. I don’t have the emotional capacity to continue to doubt him. If I end up betrayed, then I end up betrayed, and I’ll have extra motivation to chop off his balls.
Jarron comes back within moments and plops next to me on the bed. “Did you sleep well?”
“Mhmm.”
“Good. You can stay here anytime you’d like. You can transfer to Elite Hall too if you wanted.” He shrugs.
I frown.
“I know you said you didn’t want that. Just a reminder that the option is always there. Say the word and I’ll get it done.”
I shake my head and force myself into a sitting position. “I’m a Minor Hall lifer.”
“Because of your friends?” he asks.
I nod. “Partly. And I feel safe there. It’s my break away from the madness and constant power struggles here.”And, I don’t say,it makes me feel better to know I have a place to belong if this doesn’t work out.
Because even if this is real and Jarron does want me—for how long?
I’m a weak human in a world where power is value.
I know Jarron has other priorities, but that doesn’t mean it’ll always be that way.
It’s been made very clear to me my value to the supernatural world. I’m of no consequence.
I’m the girl whose death the authorities would stop investigating the moment they suspected someone more important was involved. Change out me for my sister and the conclusion would have been the same.
