Page 64 of Butterfly

can we talk?

The bubbles appeared, disappeared. Nothing.

we need to work on our project

our outline is due tomorrow

unless you want to fail a class your first semester of college…

Words appeared. I knew that would get him.

meet me at my place

I couldn’t go back to his suite.

no, mine

you really want me in your space?

Good point.

the library then

no library

I got my ass handed to me at practice today and need a soft surface

I was annoyed at myself for how worried his words made me. I immediately wanted to comfort him, bring him ice, give him a massage—anything to help him feel better.

But hadn’t he done the same for me?

fine

I’ll meet you at your place in twenty

Bubbles appeared. Then:

have you eaten?

that’s not anything for you to worry about

He saw right through me. Of course he did.

I’ll make sure I have something for you when you get here

His words sent tingles through me, damn him. Even though they were so bossy.

Professor Evans’ words echoed in my head.Give him a tool that isn’t a hammer.

Was there a way for me to teach Mason that he didn’t have to control me in order to have me, he just had to care about me?

And was it even worth it to try? Or would I just end up with a bruised—or worse—broken heart?

When I gotto his suite, I hesitated outside the door. I hadn’t seen him since I’d ended things—was it really a good idea to be in his space with him again?

But he’d agreed with me, hadn’t he? He’d left, and he hadn’t said a word since.

“Door’s open,” he called. His voice sounded gruff.

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