Page 18 of Afterglow
I find Theodore's eyes—blue and shining with pity. He looks at me like all he wants to do is help. Yet, part of me wants to growl at him, hoping it will send Theodore running for the hills.
“What does it look like I’m doing? Running, obviously.”
“It isn’t even 6:00am. You shouldn’t be running in the dark. Not alone,”
I fold my arms defensively, tightening them around my chest. “I never run into anyone. Besides, it’s already past first light. I think you’re exaggerating,”
Knight parts his lips but no words leave his mouth. “You look terrible,”
“Wow. You really know how to compliment a girl, Knight.” I reply drily.
I avert my gaze from Theodore in search of an escape. When I bring my attention back to him, my breath hitches as I realise how close the two of us are. I need to leave. I don't want him thinking I need saving or better yet, that I want to be saved.
Theodore’s eyes never leave me, forcing me to acknowledge his presence again.
“Stop looking at me like that,”
“How am I looking at you, Princess?” His voice is low and husky, the tone opposing his soft gaze.
“With pity,” I spit.
I attempt to duck underneath his arm. He has different plans, caging me into the wall, giving me no escape.
“Let. Me. Go.” I bare my teeth.
“No.”
I tilt my chin in defiance. Loose strands of Theodore’s golden hair brush across his forehead, while his body radiates heat. Even thinking about the narrow gap between us makes me claustrophobic.
“Move,” I pleaded.
Why do I sound weak? The last thing I want—noneed, is Theodore Knight to see the cracks in my armour. He doesn’t budge despite my comment, keeping me trapped between the wall and him.
“Tell me what’s wrong,”
Why the hell does he care? Theodore's intentions with me are the same with every other female: sex. I'm not going to be another notch on his bedpost.
An angry sigh leaves my throat. “I couldn’t sleep. Nothing is wrong.” I breathe deeply, then continue, “Save your pity for a different girl,”
Theodore's facial expression drops, hurt written all over it. Good. Maybe my harshness will stop his desire to chase me. Slowly, Knight’s arms return to his side, allowing for a quick getaway.
I don’t look back.
***
An intervention was waiting for me when I arrived home. Athena dragged me onto one of the stools in our kitchen, while Sofia was cooking—no burning, bacon in the background. I was hoping to avoid this but apparently not.
Sofia and Athena take turns of lecturing me, worrying because this is how my spiral started in the past. I don’t disagree but I still think I have it under control. And if you have to know one thing about me, it is: I thrive when I’m in control.
Athena sighs. “I just think you are going to burn yourself out, Jaz. We aren’t even halfway through the semester,”
“I’ll be fine. You guys know how hectic junior year is for me—”
“Which is why,” Sofia interrupts. “You need to look after yourself. I mean, how much sleep did you really get last night?”
“Five.” It comes out as a mumble.
The girls look extremely disappointed based on the fact that their hands are resting on their hips and heads are tilted.
