Page 14 of Envy

I walk to the designated tutoring table and freeze. An overwhelming urge to run away suddenly washes over me. Garret is sitting at the table where my tutor is supposed to be.

There must be a mistake.

His chiseled jaw and perfect lips move when notices me and asks nonchalant, “Waiting for someone?” His white designer sweater is snug around his arms as he leans back in the wooden chair. His dark hair almost obscures his eyes.

“You’re not my tutor,” I reply, hoping he isn’t because I would be screwed. There’s no way I can have him as my tutor.

“No, I’m not.” A sense of relief washes over me, steadying the rapid beat of my heart. He points to the chair across from him. “Have a seat, Rose. This will only take a second.”

I sit, clutching my bag to my chest as if it will protect me from him. He stares at it with a blank expression. A blush stains my cheeks. The thread at the corners is unraveling, and there are scuff marks and stains on the front even though it’s black. I’m sure Garret has never known what it’s like to use a bag from a donation box.

He looks up, and I quickly avert my gaze, staring out at the glass windows that overlook the hallway, hoping to catch my tutor to rescue me. As if that would save me from Garret.

Having hung out with Melody a couple of times, I know he’s part of the Order and the Consortium. I know they have the power to eliminate whomever they want. They’re killers with money and power, and Garret—he’s unhinged. I can see it in his eyes—how he struggles with the darkness inside him.

He reaches for the chair beside and lifts a plastic bag placing it on the table. It’s from the café on campus. I didn’t know you could bring food into the library, but then again, this is Garret.

“You’re no use to us if you don’t eat.”

The delicious smell wafting from the bag makes my stomach growl, but I push it down, letting his words sink in. “What I eat and when is none of your business.”

He leans forward. “That’s where you’re wrong. As long as you’re on campus, you are my business. I think I’ve made it very clear to you.”

“I didn’t ask to be here, and I’d appreciate it if you’d leave me the hell alone.” I glance at the bag reluctantly. “Take your damn handout with you.” I’m seething now, but this is my chance to make my point and push him away. “I don’t want anything from you.”

“Funny, I didn’t see you running for the hills on Friday. You waited until I was finished.” He stands and leans over the table, making me feel small as he towers over me. “Eat the fucking food, Rose. Don’t make me feed it to you.”

Suddenly, I’m lightheaded, and I can’t breathe. I can feel my mouth getting thick, as if my tongue is swelling, and soon I won’t be able to swallow. Flashes of white and silver. My mouth being stuffed with force. The taste of something runny and cinnamon. My mouth burning. I lean back in my chair violently, my eyes wide.

“What the fuck… Rose.” Garret is staring at me, confused.

My skin feels tight.

There’s another voice I recognize coming from behind me.

“Rose, what’s wrong?”

Azriel.

I shake my head violently, but all I see are flashes of a spoon being force-fed. “Please…” I whisper. I have to calm down and stop this feeling, or they’ll know, and then he’ll make me pay.

Azriel comes into view, glaring at Garret. “What are you doing, Garret?”

“I should ask the same,” he replies icily.

“I’m her tutor.”

“I’m fine,” I say to no one, but try to sound convincing.

They both swing their gazes to me.

Azriel is the first to speak pulling a chair. “I think it’s best we get started.”

I’m still at a loss for words. He’s A. But how or why? What are the odds? He’s a hybrid student. I just never thought of Azriel as being a tutor or having the time to be one with his job.

Garret moves with no intention of taking the food. Instead, he gets in Azriel’s face, and they stare at each other, communicating something with their eyes that I can’t make out. “Make sure she eats,” he drawls disturbingly and walks out.

I stare straight ahead, trying to figure out what just happened. Azriel sits in Garret’s chair as if nothing happened. As if this is normal.

---