Page 26 of Laid Bare

Good gods. I sound like a damn broken record with my thoughts. If it’s not the Thaddeus situation, it’s the damn gala. For once, I just want something good to happen to replace all the other matters in my head. Something better for me to focus on.

It isn’t until Bane places his hand on my shoulder that I realize I’ve stopped in the middle of the hallway and done nothing but stare at the door of the classroom. How I know it’s Bane when they’re both behind me is something I’ll have to dissect later. For now, I guess the only thing I can do is keep going and walk through the door.

I rake my hands through my hair in frustration, blowing out a harsh breath. One foot in front of the other. I can do this. It’s only portalling class.

After straightening my shoulders, I grip the doorknob and push open the door, stepping over the threshold. My entrance goes off like a gunshot, drawing the eyes of every single person in the room. Students I haven’t interacted with, and of course those of Thaddeus from his place at the front of the room.

The only comfort I have going for me is the fact that it’s the same room from Portalling 101.

Whispers start up immediately as I navigate between students toward the only open spot in the entire space. And what do you know… it’s right next to Thaddeus, whose blue-tinged lips are spread in a wide smile.He really is the epitome of a Smurf.

That once-bright smile on the winter fae starts to dim as the whispers and comments get louder and more disparaging.

“Oh, gods. The freak has joined our class.”

“She’s going to end up killing us all because she doesn’t know how to use her magic.”

“I heard she spread her legs for Professor Winterton and that’s why Miss Izzicle hated her so much.”

“Slut.”

“They should have killed the whore.”

A well-timed snarl, rumbling in its intensity, shuts the others up instantly. The tell-tale scent of fear starts to overwhelm the room, but Zane doubles down as he swells up even bigger than his already massive self and some kind of black smoke puffs from his nostrils.

Only when the demons are satisfied that everyone knows their place do they prop themselves against the wall, keeping their soulless eyes on anyone who’s deemed a threat. Which is, no surprise, everyone. Except for the blue fae with frost crawling up his arms from his clenched fists.

“Now,” Thaddeus grits out, pinning the other students with a glare that looks like it could kill, “where were we?”

The acrid scentof Bailey’s fury lingers long after she’s left my office. Even with my balcony doors open, there’s no missing how the ripe raspberries that sweeten her scent are sharper. Harsher. Nothing like it was on the first day we met.

The fault of her anger falls on me, yet again. There are so many secrets I’ve kept from her that she’s just now finding out, and one big one that still needs to come to light. But dammit. I thought I was doing the right thing by hiding it from her. Unfortunately, I’m not so sure that’s the case anymore.

And now with the way she despises me, there’s no doubt I’m currently sharing the doghouse with Hudson.

I can’t stand it any longer; I need to get out of here. Even if it’s only for a few minutes. Anything to run away from my own misdeeds.

Jasper: Meet me at The Tower.

After firing off the text, I stride toward my open balcony and spread my wings, shooting off into the clear blue sky. Flying is my escape. The one way to clear my mind. But it hasn’t worked much since Bailey’s first day at the academy. Without her in my arms, flying now feels bleak in comparison.

Peeking high above the clouds, the tallest building in Faridity shines like a beacon for lost souls. Or those of us with wings. It’s the only way to reach the very top since stairs are non-existent after the twentieth floor.

At the highest point rests the exclusive bar that’s only open to those with major influence and wings in our world. Most supernaturals residing here aren’t even aware of its existence.

Even a select few councilmen don’t know it’s there.

The ground trembles as I land, alerting the three patrons and barkeep that I’ve arrived. Wisely, they keep to themselves, not daring to say a word or even glance in my direction. It’s just another thing I enjoy about this place. People mind their own business.

Floor-to-ceiling windows fully encompass the space, giving a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view, which leads onto a large wrap-around balcony. Also known as the flight deck. Very ironic of a name and the leading joke since The Tower opened. Tables are dotted intermittently throughout the room, but right smack dab in the middle is the large circular bar. Glasses glimmer in the morning sun shining through the open windows, and various bottles of liquor light up like an eternal flame is burning brilliantly inside of them.

Bailey would love this place,I think to myself.Or not. She could hate it as much as she hates me.

My strides are heavy with conflict as I head to the private booth reserved only for me. Due to my status and lineage, I’m afforded things that most others aren’t. I’ve barely sat down and ordered a drink when my best friend arrives.

“Jasper.”

“Cassian, how was your flight?” The angel ruffles his white, feathery wings before taking the seat opposite of me. The barkeep hustles over with my drink and quickly takes Cassian’s order before disappearing back behind the bar.

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