Page 10 of Plaything

“You don’t have to worry about me inviting people over,” I informed, not breaking eye contact with him. My personal life wasn’t really any of his business, and the question was intrusive and rude.

Dominic narrowed his eyes on me. “There are rules that you will follow while living here—”

“Dominic,” Wyatt sent him a cold look.

Curious about what they were and not wanting to do anything to upset or further inconvenience them, I pushed, “What are they?”

My hands were shaking under the table. I didn’t know if it was from the freezing temperature, my frustration with Dominic and his rude attitude, or fear because I was speaking to him in the first place.

Rules weren’t a new thing to me. No leaving your bedroom after nine at night. Drink a glass of water between each bite. Greet everyone with a smile. Never curse. Don’t interrupt while he’s working. Be quiet. Men don’t want women with lousy posture, sit up straight. Don’t make the family look bad. I’d heard it all.

Dominic looked slightly appeased at my question, probably taking it as agreement to whatever rules he had.

“First, I want it understood that this is our home. We don’t want any other students knowing of our residence,” he started. “Second, you’ll overhear our discussions about assignments and tests. Do not use our circumstances to cheat or tip-off other students,” he warned. Don’t cry. He cocked his eyebrow, “On the subject of overhearing things you’re not supposed to;” he glanced at the other three; I almost missed the quick look. “We’re all adults. I expect you to mind your own business regarding adult subjects.”

He spoke the words as if he didn’t count me as one of the adults in the room. He wasn’t speaking to me like I was a child, but it was clear he didn’t consider me a ‘real’ adult. As sorry as I felt for myself, I couldn’t blame him; I was a student at the university he taught at.

So, that was the look he and Aiden gave each other. They were uncomfortable because of my age. I think.

As far as those ‘adult subjects’ go, I was thankful that he didn’t flat-out say sex. We all know what he implied, but it would have been much more uncomfortable if he said the word. Like he said, they were adults and could do whatever and whoever they’d like in their home. I wouldn’t impose, intrude, or comment on it if any of them brought a date home.

I had to listen to Jade and Caiden go at it for the last three months in my dorm. I’d live if I heard a moan or two from across the house.

I tried not to sound sarcastic as I raised my eyebrows at him. “Anything else?”

Dominic looked taken back as if he expected me to argue. “Yes,” he said quietly. “The fireplace stays on 24/7; if you notice the wood getting low, don’t attempt to add a piece yourself,” he instructed.

This request was odd compared to the earlier, much more serious ones. I could manage putting a piece of wood on a fire, but I dare not argue.

“The hot water runs out exceptionally fast. To save everyone from freezing, you’ll shower first, and the rest of us will follow after, in thirty-minute intervals, giving the hot water time to heat up again.”

Again, this wasn’t a harsh request.

His dark blue eyes never left mine as he spoke, pinning me to my chair. “As long as you stay here, you have the freedom to go into any room or area you’d like; you don’t need to ask.”

Was I that timid? Had I been such a nervous wreck that I gave myself away? He was absolutely correct in his assumptions; I was planning on keeping to my room. Niko and Wyatt were trying, but this wasn’t exactly a welcoming committee. Still, I’d stay out of their way as much as possible.

Dominic looked around like he was struggling to think of the words to say the following rule. His eyes met mine. “This is more of a request or courtesy,” he started. “You have the freedom to come and go as you please, of course. I do ask that you let us know when you’ll be back,” he finished. His voice changed, and it seemed like that request was somehow embarrassing to him.

I actually thought it was incredibly sweet. It was comforting and made me feel safe. One day, I had my tire blow out and didn’t get home until the early morning hours, spending all night in a tire shop getting it fixed. Jade didn’t even notice I was gone.

“Okay.” My voice was quiet, and I heard a nervous tremble.

Wyatt looked between everyone for a second before he gave me a smile that lightened the entire room’s mood. “What about food allergies?” He asked.

I pressed my lips together. “I’m lactose intolerant, but please don’t change any meal plans—”

He raised his eyebrows, looking intrigued. “So am I.”

I noticed the other three professors give him a confused look out of the corner of my eye. “Oh,” I breathed out, not worried about being a burden anymore.

Aiden leaned back in his seat, looking between everyone. His face had a slight smirk, and his eyes were obviously calculating.

Niko gave me one of his toothy grins again. “We actually all rotate making dinner throughout the week. If you want, you can cook something you’d like,” he offered.

I nodded, practically leaping for joy. Yes, throw me into a routine. Let me do something—anything. I just wanted to feel like I wasn’t a burden. If they allow me to cook dinner once a week, like the rest of them did, I’d gladly take that opportunity. “Absolutely. I’m really good at heating up ramen noodles,” I joked, earning a chuckle from him.

Truth be told, I wasn’t a bad cook... I think. I grew up with professional chefs in my house, and when I wanted to get away from my father and his friends, who liked to stare, I went to the kitchen. I’d watched dozens of meals prepared and was lucky enough to pick up a few tips over the years.

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