Page 114 of Ashes and Lilies
It was Titus who responded this time.
Titus
What does he actually want?
Didn’t anyone pay attention to a word I said? I’d already told them Bryce’s intentions. My eyes flickered to the man.
Bryce was watching me with barely contained amusement. “Do you need their permission to do everything?” he asked. It almost felt as though he was making fun of me.
I narrowed my eyes. He wasutterlyincorrect. In fact, this was the first time I’d let anyone know my intentions, and this was only because I was trying to be thoughtful.
Why was Bryce encouraging rebellion? He was going to be a handful.
“No,” I responded. “I don’t want them to be worried.”
“Why would they be worried if you’re with me?” Bryce asked, his tone somewhat offended. “I’m one of the strongest, safest people in the world for you to be around.”
Did he truly call himself the strongest? How vain.
My hand lowered as I watched him. And it was hard not to feel reassured.
“What do you want to talk about?” I asked him.
“Our relationship.” Bryce pointed between the two of us. “Plus, you and I should review what happened last night. You need help, and we need to define our roles. However, we can’t discuss this here. On campus, I’m in a position of authority over you.”
I nodded, following along with his logic. It was true that he held power over me as a fake professor—hence our need for impartial territory. We could never speak as our true selves here.
“Besides,” Bryce added. “I don’t like that you’re afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” I protested as I returned to my phone.
Me
He says he wants to talk.
Messages returned almost immediately.
Julian
Are you comfortable with that?
Miles
Is it safe?
Damen
It depends. Where is Alexander?
Titus
I’m on a call with him for the rest of the afternoon, but I’ll send Matheus. Bryce can give him the location.
Damen
Miles and I are in a meeting with Garrett. The only one left is his son.
Miles
