Page 97 of Carved in Ruin

“Was this thing with Sam bothering you?” he repeats, his eyes searching mine.

“Well, yes, but—”

“Then I would’ve spent much more than I did to resolve it,” he cuts in, stepping closer. “Nothing bothers you, Mila. Not while I’m alive and breathing.”

His words knock the air out of me, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond. My lips part, but no sound comes out, so instead, I change the subject. “What time is it?”

“Eleven.”

My heart stops. “Eleven?” I screech. “I was supposed to be in uni by ten!”

I rush to the mirror, frantically pulling my hair into a quick ponytail and shoving my feet into the nearest pair of shoes. “I’m so late,” I utter under my breath, grabbing my bag.

Behind me, Rafael moves with infuriating calm. He’s already dressed, a sleek black suit that fits him like a second skin. He adjusts his cufflinks, watching my panicked state like he finds it endearing.

“I let you sleep in,” he says simply. “You needed the rest after last night. You were tired.”

I whirl around to face him, one hand clutching my bag. “Tired or not, I have responsibilities, Rafael. You could’ve—”

“I’ll drive you.” He’s already reaching for his keys.

“I can go myself—”

“You’re late.”

I sigh, throwing my bag over my shoulder.

“Fine.”

Rafael drives with one hand on the wheel, the other draped loosely over the gearshift. I sit stiffly in the passenger seat, clutching my bag like it might shield me from his overwhelming presence.

When he pulls up to the campus entrance, I unbuckle my seatbelt and reach for the door. “Thanks for the ride,” I say quickly, eager to escape.

But before I can step out, his hand catches the hem of my shirt. “You didn’t say goodbye.”

“Oh. Right. Sorry. Goodbye.”

His mouth pulls into a frown, like I’ve just insulted him. “With your mouth,Kroshka.”

“No, I—” Before I can finish, he grabs me by the waist, dragging me closer across the center console. His lips crash against mine, consuming, relentless, making my stomach flip. I’m too stunned to push him away.

When he finally pulls back, I’m breathless. His grip loosens just enough for me to shove him lightly in the chest.

“You’re so annoying!” I bite out. I lean forward and bite his chin, not too hard, but enough to make my point before yanking myself free.

His laugh follows me as I scramble out of the car and rush toward the building. I slip into the physics lab and spot Sam and Mary at one of the lab tables. They both look up as I approach, and I drop onto the stool beside them, pulling out my notes.

“Sorry I’m late,” I mutter, keeping my head down.

“Yeah, you are,” Mary says, leaning closer. “Now spill.”

I glance at her, confused. “Spill what?”

“Don’t play dumb,” she groans. “Sam already told me about yourguest.”

I freeze, my pen hovering over my notebook. “Sam,” I warn.

“Sorry, Mila,” Sam mumbles, though the grin on his face tells me he’s anything but.

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