Page 46 of Vicious Knight

It bothers me that I didn’t.

It bothers me more because I know I can’t get involved with this boy—man.

Thorne is not a boy.

Boys are the male creatures I left back in high school who pulled pranks and got up to all sorts of immature shit. I don’t think Thorne was ever anything like them. He seems to have been a man for a long time.

I cross the bridge, and my steps quicken when I see Myrrdin House ahead.

I can’t get inside quickly enough, then I rush up the stairs to my room just as fast. I’m not in the mood to socialize tonight and I’m not in the mood to deal with Tiffany or her lackeys.

I make it to my room safe and unseen, then I set my bag down, feeling the weight of the day drain from my shoulders.

I grab a quick bite to eat and check my messages. Mom and Levgen always message at this time. Sure enough, there’s a message from each of them.

I update them on my day, telling them all the good things that happened with Francois. They text back with encouragement and excitement, making me miss them so much more than I already did.

I’d love a little slice of home right about now, so I can bury my head in the sand and come up with a way to deal with Thorne.

Since I can’t have that I settle for the next best thing—a hot bath.

I do the whole scented oils and muscle soak ritual that usually calms me.

It works to some degree but when I head back into the bedroom, there’s a weird feeling about the place. A strange presence.

The air is thick with it.

It’s as if…someone else is in here with me.

Thorne?

No.

But what if he is?

I didn’t hear him. Really, Ivy? The man has snuck up on me twice in the same week without me knowing. He was sitting right in front of me at the café and I didn’t even know.

A shiver runs down my spine at the unsettling thought that he could be here and I stop in the middle of the bedroom to look around.

The tension wrapping itself around my nerves is so tight I’m forced to walk around the apartment to check out everything.

I search the apartment from top to bottom and find nothing. I’m alone, paranoid, and frustrated at myself.

Why the hell am I letting this guy screw with me?

It’s okay. It will be okay. I just have to get to bed.

I head back to the bedroom, lock the door and take off my robe.

As it’s hot I turn up the AC and crawl into bed just wearing my panties. I’ve been sleeping with the window open but I think it’s best if I don’t tonight.

I turn out the lights and lay my head down on the stack of pillows. A sense of safety drifts over me, lulling me to sleep.

I slip into a dream. One where I see my father. We’re in the park I used to play in when I was little.

He’s pushing me on a swing.

I go up and down, slicing through the air. Dad is laughing as he pushes me.

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