Page 33 of Insane Obsession

When we’re out of earshot, I stop and bristle. “What did you do that for? He’s my teacher, and I like him.”

“Exactly. I thought I’d give him a tip. Because he’s such a nice guy.”

“A tip? What for?”

“Well…” Castor shrugs, but his lips tick up. “Pick your reason. For being nice? For staying the fuck away from you? For being a teacher?”

“And we all know how little they earn,” Bran adds, grinning when he catches my glare.

“That’s not fair,” I mutter. “My salary won’t be any higher than his, and that’s onlyifI find a decent PhD program.”

“That’s not true, and you know it,” Bran grabs my hand and slides his thumb over mine. “You’re with us now, and we are worth millions.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel comfortable?”

“Speaking of…” Castor turns his face to watch both of us. “I hope that lace you’re wearing is comfortable.”

“Uhm, yeah, it is,” I stammer. Baby blue lace underwear hugs my ass. I still can’t believe how much I like it.

“Good.” Castor lifts my hand and sucks in a finger. “Because I can’t wait to tear it off…with my teeth.”

“Fuck…” Bran moans. “I vote for a quick fuck.Now.”

“No.” Castor’s teeth flash when he grins. “Tonight’s Finn’s night.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not much of a party animal.” I square my shoulders, inwardly preparing myself for my little reunion with my study partners after last night.

We’ve barely left the corridor when something catches my attention. “Look!” I stare inside a room with a stunning view of Lake Whittaker. The place is empty except for a huge Christmas tree, its colours flickering reverently.

“Were we not heading for the cocktail bar?” Bran raises a surprised eyebrow.

“Yes, but—look at how those lights make the shadows against the walls dance.” I walk inside, gazing around. “We read this paper from a psychologist who discusses the effect of light on our mental state. Colours can excite our brain and make us feel agitated, or on the contrary, they can relax us.” I turn their way but see that Castor has left the room. “Do you see that?” I ask Bran instead.

He shakes his head. “I don’t. I mean, yes, I see what you see. But I don’t think Ifeelwhat you see.”

“That’s okay,” I smile. “I will draw it for you. If you’d like me to.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t even have to ask. You, entirely lost in your drawings…” He grabs me by the ass and hauls me closer. “That’s exactly what grabbed our attention in the first place.”

“Really? Why?” I chuckle nervously. “I’m just a boring guy. I have lived most of my life in a trailer with my grandma. I’m not—” I cut myself off, not ready to face the consequences of them throwing me out of their life. “Have you ever been to a country club before?” I ask instead.

“Our family owns a few country clubs. So yeah.” He dips his gaze to catch my eyes. “What is it you really want to know, flower?”

“Do you think—” I swallow. “Never mind.”

His gaze narrows. “Do I think what?”

I look around. “I didn’t bring my stuff, but maybe tomorrow…do you think I could come back and draw this? The tree is spectacular.”

Bran cocks his head. “Are you seriously asking me if you can come back here to draw the tree?” He chuckles. “Baby, you can do whatever the fuck you want. If you love this tree so much, we can bring it back to our place and put it inside our living room.”

“But it’s too big,” I stammer.

“Hmm, you might be right.” Bran looks back at the tree and then shrugs.“We can always put it in the garden.”

The door bursts open, and in comes Castor, who has three large cocktails. “What are you guys doing in there? The party is out there.”

“Finn wants the tree,” Bran says.

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