Page 28 of Devilry

Picking up on the same vulnerable vibe from earlier, I don’t ask questions, and I don’t try to change her mind. Instead I place my hand on my hip and wait for her to link her arm through mine.

Grateful that I don’t pursue the conversation further, she leans in to me as we walk over the threshold. It seems tonight we’re both running or hiding from something.

At least we can do it together.

6

Elijah

Class is over, and just like the last few lessons, I’m sitting in the back, as far away from Professor Huxley as possible.

After seeing him in the library and agreeing to the research project, I should be banging down his door and demanding to hear more and wanting to start work on it as soon as possible. Any eager student would be.

But I can’t.

I’m too scared to follow this opportunity, knowing very well that I should stay as far away from him as possible.

Surprisingly, he hasn’t pushed me. Come for me. Asked for me. Begged me. And I hatethatmore than I hate how scared I am.

I think about him more than I’ve thought about anyone since Alex, and it’s fucking with my head. When you leave the carefully constructed bubble you’ve lived in for so long, there’s bound to be intrusions you didn’t prepare for. But I never thought, for one second, my professor, with his gray eyes and sturdy build would be what held all the appeal.

Hurriedly, I pack my books into my bag, hoping to blend into the sea of students exiting the room. Just as I’m about to leave my seat, a body slides into the chair beside me, cornering me in. “You always drag your ass in this class.”

Aiden has made it his mission to make his presence known any chance he gets. It doesn’t matter that we live together, or that he really is my only friend; he is determined to push me until I give himanyreaction.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“Callie is waiting outside. It’s time to eat.”

“Half the class hasn’t even walked out yet. Your patience sucks,” I say, keeping it light.

My hair falls into my face, and Aiden gently pushes it back in place, brazenly staring at me; waiting forsomething.

Awareness of where we are and who might be looking surges through me. “Don’t,” I warn.

“Whatever.”

“Mr. Williams.” Professor Huxley’s voice booms through the auditorium, surprising us both.

Aiden’s face twists in frustration at the interruption. “We’ll meet you at the cafeteria.”

“Honestly?” I say in frustration. I stand and he follows the action. “I’m just going to meet you back at the dorm.”

“Fine,” he says petulantly. “I’ll let Callie know we can go ahead without you.”

Shaking my head, I know I’m going to have to get the bottom of whatever it is he’s waiting for from me, because I really like Aiden and Callie, and as much as I am used to being a loner, they’re the first friends I’ve had in years. I don’t want to lose them over a misunderstanding.

With the class finally empty, I courageously stare up at him without caution, missing something I shouldn’t be, knowing my desperation for him is written all over my face. I want nothing more than to watch him walk up here to me, and yes, chase the thing he seems to want so badly. To chaseme.

“Am I going to have to come up there to talk to you?”

Please.

But, despite my internal yearnings, I sling the strap of my bag over my shoulder and head down the stairs. With my sprain now a distant memory, I walk with much more confidence and ease, despite the drum beat pounding inside my chest.

With a predatory stare, he meets me at the last step, stopping me. “I’ve been waiting for you to see me about the research project.”

“Yeah, about that,” I say, trying to swallow down my nervousness. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

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