Page 74 of Crown of Thorns
We circle it slowly, carefully, our steps dragging into a wide arc, like we’re orbiting a sleeping giant neither of us wants to wake. I notice the arc we’re making is unnaturally perfect. Circular. And at the heart of it, something gleams beneath the layers of vine. Maybe glass. Maybe metal. We don’t know if something is underneath, but it appears to be.
“It’s beautiful,” I admit.
He glances at me, almost shy. “You think so?”
“Terrifying. But yeah, still beautiful in its own kind of way.”
The thorns catch the light like glass blades, seductive and sharp, just like him. Later, when he smiles with berry-stained lips and dares me to imagine what's beneath the vines, the same gleam flashes in his eyes, dangerous and beautiful. There’ssomething about beauty that can wound. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to it. To him.
“It appears this monster is wrapped around something else. See that? It looks like glass.”
“Hmm. Maybe? I’m not sure. Guess there’s only one way to find out.”
“Ohh, do I like the sound of that." Louis throws me a wicked grin. “Want to cut open the damn plant?”
“You’re such a vandal.”
“But you like my plan, Professor goody two-shoes.”
“Excuse me?” I scoff.
“Such a proper man. Always on time. Always prepared. Always so very serious.” He shrugs. “A goody two-shoes.” He winks at me, and a sexy grin spreads across his lips. “I bet someone like you can’t keep up with someone like me.”
I smile like a fool. My entire body buzzes. We linger a moment longer, both pretending we’re not reluctant to leave the plant behind. Then we turn back through the forest, side by side, breathing in the cool morning air, the quiet thrill between us.
When we reach campus, Louis heads up the stairs, already pulling out his phone, while I detour to the canteen to grab enough breakfast to feed an entire household. I’m panting, but not from running.
It’s not busy yet; most students are still lounging in their rooms.
Gaël Deveraux joins me at the counter, looking crisp and sharp with his painted green eyes. “Good morning, Professor.”
“Morning.”
“That’s a big, big breakfast.” His voice is lethal, smooth, and treacherous.Suspicious. He traces a finger over the bowl with blackberries I grabbed for Louis.
“Yes. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I hurry for the exit, climbing the stairs as fast as I can with the heavy tray in hand.
When I can finally kick the door to my room closed, Louis comes out of the shower. Whistling in appreciation at the heaps of food, he heads for the closet and takes his sweet time preparing his school uniform, like he owns the place. Maybe he does. He started leaving his stuff around after the time I first fucked him. He has a whole section in my closet now, and he keeps adding things to it. I tell myself it’s nothing. That it doesn’t mean anything. But it does. And that’s exactly the problem.
His hair is slicked back except for one raven strand that curls up his forehead. He smells like vanilla and citrus. He gazes my way, a mischievous look in his eyes. “I’ve got an idea.”
“Yeah? What’s that?” I put the tray onto the table. Louis snatches the bowl with berries and shoves a bunch in his mouth, making his cheeks pop.
He licks a smear of juice off his thumb, slow and unbothered. Then he plucks a berry and holds it up to my mouth. I hesitate, then bite. He grins like he’s won something.
“I want to know what's underneath that monster.” Unlocking his phone he shows me a receipt. An order of garden material has been confirmed. Hedge cutters, gloves, heavy-duty trash bags.
“Garden equipment?”
“You wanted to cut those weeds, right?”
“No,youwanted to. I just asked if you could see what was underneath.”
He grins and plops another handful of fruit into his mouth, mashing away happily. “What do you hope you’ll find underneath?”
“I haven’t thought about it.”
“Of course you have. A bit of creativity, Professor.”
