Page 113 of Ashes and Lilies
My newest knowledgeregarding my ex-best friend made it difficult to focus during my afternoon classes. Had he been using his shikigami to stalk me at any point, and I hadn’t noticed? Howwas he strong enough to contract with such a dastardly beast anyway?
While Finn hadslightlybegun to mend the chasm of betrayal between us, I couldn’t deny that I was still worried. If only there were someone I could trust to keep an eye on him—to support him so that he might not perish—so that I could return to loathing him from a safe distance and without guilt.
“Hello,” Bryce greeted me as I exited the lecture hall.
I froze, causing the person behind me to run into my back, curse, and edge around me. They gave me a harsh glare, too, and usually, I would have been upset. But it didn’t matter.
Why was he here? He’d ignored me all morning, and now—after I’d spoken to Xavier—he was ready to talk.
I should tell him to go away.
Maybe he wasn’t even talking to me anyway. I stepped aside, keeping my wary gaze on him, watching him as he remained leaning against the wall on the other side of the hall. His arms were crossed, and disapproval and concern were etched into his expression.
“Yes, Miss Brosnan, I am speaking to you,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “We need to talk. I want to take you out to dinner.”
Bryce was offering me food.
My heart raced as I clenched my fists. This could be an essential moment in our relationship. There was no need for me to rush off yet.
Besides, I was supposed to let someone watch me. Plus, I would eventually need to have him teach me everything that he knew so that I would one day surpass him.
Only then would he learn to call me master—or mistress—like my second favorite Officer seemed to prefer.
“All right,” I agreed, pulling out my phone. “Just give me a moment.”
It was probably okay to leave with Bryce, but considering how the boys could get, it was best to alert them. There was no need to cause undue panic.
Me
Bryce wants me to meet with him in a neutral location to discuss how he might serve me. We’re going to out to eat.
Miles
Does it have to be now?
Julian
Why now?
Damen
Don’t go off with him alone.
None of this was confirmation, and now I wasn’t sure what to do. I was frowning at my phone as it vibrated again a minute later.
Julian
Didn’t you say you were okay with him now?
Damen
No. I did not say that. We have an understanding.
My disapproval grew as the three boys continued to bicker. I wasn’t sure what the consensus was about my original statement, and they were getting off-topic.
Me
Should I go with him or not?
