Page 326 of Blood & Betrayals

“There are many things you do not know, Miss Tuatha De Daanan,” the headmaster says as he pushes to his feet. I bristle again but unwrap the rest of the bandage, annoyed but glad for the relief from the pain.

When I look back at the headmaster, he has glamoured his face, and it’s Connor who looks back at me.

“This is my cue to leave. This is too weird,” the real Connor says at my back. I turn and kiss him goodbye before the headmaster and I leave.

“Foolish to hurt yourself,” the headmaster grumbles, his own voice leaving Connor’s lips.

“It wasn’t on purpose,” I snap back.

He gives me a dry look, and the expression looks foreign on Connor’s face. “So you fell by accident? You? A fae? Known for their dexterity?”

I growl and move away from him, but he yanks me back. “Play your role,” he grumbles under his breath.

“Play yours and pretend to actually like me,” I snarl softly.

“You are in mourning, and I am your supportive and doting boyfriend.”

“Fiancé,” I correct as we stop at the coffee cart.

This time, having learned from his mistakes, he orders the usual for me and then a black coffee for himself. The barista looks a little confused, and the headmaster puts a soft smile on Connor’s face. “Cutting down on sugar,” he says in Connor’s voice, and the barista nods, making the order.

Nice cover, dick. He walks me to my class, playing the role of a doting partner, but the lie between us is so apparent to me that I can’t figure out how no one else can see it.

Outside my class, he stops and pulls me against him. “You sure you want to go, babe? It’s only been two days.”

I nod. “It’s a good distraction.”

“Okay,” he says tenderly, cupping my cheek.

I place my hands on his chest and look up at him, leaning into my sadness and pretending I’m gazing at the male I love.

“You’ll text me?” he asks, playing the role somewhat perfectly. First time for everything, I guess.

I nod, and he pulls me closer. I swallow my surprise at the way his body feels against me. It is Connor’s body, but the touch feels oddly… electric.

He leans closer, a breath away from me. His voice is still Connor’s, even as the words and tone are those of the icy headmaster. “Stay out of trouble.”

I exhale shakily. “Will do, big guy.” He steps around me, tucking his hands into his pockets and walking toward Connor’s first class. I take a breath and then go into my morning class, sitting in my usual seat. Today is slightly better, though I’munsure how I feel about the headmaster’s acting skills. Good or bad, both come with their own set of disadvantages.

While I’m still having to endure people’s stares, the whispers have slowed. It’s annoying to think that within twenty-four hours, their concern for mydeadbest friend has already waned. On the plus side, I feel more stable today and as if I can concentrate more on finding the killer.

As I walk to lunch, I spot Aqua from the corner of my eye. She is writing frantically on a piece of paper. A rune glows brightly on her neck, but I can’t decipher it from this distance.

She lifts her head as if feeling my gaze, and I shift deeper into the crowd, dodging her sight. I walk to our table, where Luke and Zane are sitting with the headmaster as Connor. Sliding my hand onto his shoulder, I wait for him to glance at me before sitting on his lap. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable in my life, but I need to talk to him without anyone overhearing.

“How was class, babe?” he asks.

I bury my face against his neck, my shoulders shaking as if I’m crying. “What do you know of Aqua Tuatha De Daanan?”

“The third year?” he asks, dropping his voice to a dark rumble that penetrates my core.

I nod, keeping my face in his neck.

“Little. Average student. Cloistered with the fae,” he answers.

I move my lips to his ear, whispering, “She’s always around when I’m hurt.”

The headmaster tightens his arms around me as if comforting me. “She brought you to my office after the wild mist.”

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