Page 198 of Blood & Betrayals

“I’m sure you have studying to do for your own classes, Mister Morningstar. You will be reacquainted with Miss Tuatha De Daanan at lunch.”

“But Professor Ambrose, you don’t think I could be of some help?” Connor says, oozing charm.

Professor Ambrose throws him a droll, unimpressed look. “Miss Tuatha De Daanan does not require tutoring in this subject. Either go, or I’ll seat you elsewhere.”

Connor sighs dramatically and gently grabs my chin before kissing me hard. The kiss is more passionate than any we’ve shared in the past ten days, and it ignites the fire I kept banked.

I kiss him back, and the other members of the class whoop loudly. Connor pulls back much too quickly, though I can tell that Professor Ambrose disagrees. He winks as he leaves the classroom.

Professor Ambrose tries to gain control of the class again, but it’s not until he reminds everyone rather rudely that our final is next week that the atmosphere in the room changes.

An hour later, I make my way to the cafeteria with Alice. Connor looks up at me as I approach.

“Hi!” He smiles brightly.

I smile back, though I can feel the tension humming through me. Even my cheek muscles feel tight. “Hi.”

Connor pulls me against his side, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I smile and start to eat, stabbing a piece of lettuce. There is a loud crack, and I blink when I realize I’ve cracked the plate in two.

“Well,” Rafe says, his brows shooting up.

I drop my fork, the metal warped from my grip.

Connor covers my hand. “You okay, babe?”

I take a deep breath before forcing a smile onto my face. “Yeah. I’m going to go work out. I have a free period after this, and I’m feeling a little stressed.”

Connor leans in, brushing his lips over mine. “You’ll come over tonight?”

I know he means to study. That’s the only reason he invites me over nowadays, but I can’t help how my stomach flutters.

“Absolutely. I’ll see you guys later.” I stand and practically sprint to the gym before any of them can say anything.

Max looks up from the desk, his stupid face pulled into a smug smirk. “Three times in twenty-four hours. People will start talking.”

I growl at him, going straight to the sparring room, and as I knew he would, he eagerly follows me.

Training has not only been a source of solace for me in the fresh hell that is celibacy, but it’s also been helping clear my head. I’ve not heard from the stranger for ten days either, and it’s been lovely. Blissful, even. I absolutely haven’t thought about him.

Summer the Liar. It has a nice ring to it, I suppose.

I pull on my gym shorts before pushing off my skirt and unbuttoning my white shirt. I’m grateful for the sports bras I’ve been donning these past ten days so I can work out whenever I want. I kick off my heels, opting for bare feet.

“Still no sex, huh?” Max asks, rolling his shoulders.

I bristle, stretching to loosen up. “What makes you say that?” I say, swinging for him. I certainly don’t intend to discuss my sex life with Maximillian Romulus.

Max blocks it easily. “Because you’re here and pissed.”

I drop to the floor. Leaning into my fae speed and agility, I sweep my leg under his, taking him to the mat. “You know nothing about my sex life.”

Max hisses as he hits the ground hard. “At least you’re not pathetic anymore.”

I climb on top of him, pinning him down.

Max thrusts his hips up hard, and I fly off him, colliding with the mat.

---