Page 85 of The Cruelty of Thorns

I grinned. “Good. Did you think about me?”

“Every time I sat down.” She gave me a shy smile. “When will we do it again?”

“Soon. Right now we should get you back to your room. I want to make sure you’re safe before I leave.” We started back across the quad, where there were a few students still making their way between buildings.

“What about you?” she asked.

“What about me?”

“Is it safe for you out in the streets? I know there have only been female victims, but that could change.”

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and pulled her against me. “I’ll be fine.”

The truth was, I wasn’t sure of that, as witnessed by my close call the other night. I knew the victims were just a way to draw me out, and I didn’t think he was done. I could only wonder, since it didn’t work the first time, what he would try next.

When we arrived at the door to Myra’s dorm, I pulled her close and claimed her mouth in a bruising kiss that neither of us seemed willing to end.

“I can’t seem to get enough of you,” I murmured when we finally separated.

“Tomorrow?” she asked hopefully.

This was a dangerous game. Common sense warned me to stay away, but I ignored it and replied, “Yes.”

I let her go and watched her walk up the steps, waiting until she was inside before turning away. That’s when the feeling of being watched washed over me. I scanned my surroundings and spotted him standing at the edge of the building, his eyes narrowed, his attention focused intently on me. I didn’t know how it was possible, but I was certain he recognized me.

Ron.

He didn’t move. Didn’t attempt to confront me. Just stood and watched while I turned and walked away.

CHAPTER 34

MYRA

A hard epiphany

FRIDAY MORNING WENT by in a blur until it was time for my literature class. After what Kristin had told me about her conversation with Ron, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the room. I waited until the last minute, entering just ahead of Mr. Edmonds and hurrying to my seat. Ron looked up when I sat down but didn’t acknowledge my presence in any way. Maybe that was for the best. Kristin had said to be open to him, but I wasn’t in the mood for any dramatics. I still liked Ron, but things with Julianus had progressed to such a point that I no longer felt he was in the picture.

Several times throughout the class I felt Ron’s eyes on me, but he still didn’t say anything. It wasn’t until class was over and I stood up to leave that he finally spoke to me.

“Myra?”

I turned, waiting to see what he would say, but it wasn’t the expected apology.

“I saw you with that guy last night.”

Figuring he meant Julianus, I blew out a frustrated sigh. That’s what he wanted to talk about?

“So? It’s not like you were around.” I know I sounded petty, but I wasn’t interested in playing whatever game he had in mind.

“Look, I know you probably don’t care what I have to say, but you need to listen to me.”

I cocked a brow at him. “And why is that?”

“Stay away from him. He’s bad news.”

“You have no right to tell me who I can and can’t see. You gave up that privilege when you kicked me out of your room. Remember?”

I turned and stormed out of the classroom before he had a chance to respond. I don’t even remember leaving the building or crossing the campus, still wrapped up in my own fury for letting him get to me. Like he had any right to tell me who I could see.

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