Page 9 of Shadows Within
Mom.
I don’t have the energy for this. I decline the call. Two minutes later, my phone rings again.
Mom.
She’s not giving up this morning. I might as well answer and say that I’m heading into class—an exit strategy.
“Hi Mom.” My voice is flat.
“Hi baby. Oh Scarlett.” I roll my eyes. “I miss you so much. When are you coming over?” Her questions are always so dramatic.
“I’m not sure right now, things are busy with school.”
“You can only use that excuse so many times Scarlett.” Her tone changes. “I live eight minutes from the school you know.”
“I know Mom, I will try to pop by next week. I’m just pulling in. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Don’t be a stranger, sweetheart. I’m yourmother.” I’m sure she meant the extra emphasis on the last word.
“I know Mom, bye, talk to you later.”
“I love you so much honey.”
“You too.” I end the call and throw my phone on the passenger seat.
“Ugh!” There are no close spots and I’ll have to book it across the parking lot.
Mom’s voice triggered an anxiety I thought I wouldn’t deal with today. I rush across campus as the weight in my chest turns into a dull ache. A mother is supposed to provide comfort, not agony. As I pick up speed, I fight the growing heaviness between my ribs.
I hope Professor Bugley didn’t lock the door again, I can’t afford to miss any more of this class. I quickly glide through the crowds in the hall, books in one arm and my laptop bag over the other. Just then, I slam into something hard, and my books hit the floor with a loud bang.Him.In shock, I feel a firm hand anchor my arm.
“Watch where you’re going next time.” His tone is low and annoyed. My gaze traces up his broad chest, from the expensive fabric of his jacket to the sharp lines of his jaw.Callum Mercer.His fingers dig into me as his hand remains wrapped around my arm, not hard enough to bruise, but strong enough to feel it. Sparks shoot through my skin like lightning.
He doesn’t move.
“Sorry.” I stare into his eyes as he lets go of my arm. Although his hand is no longer there, the area burns like he’s left his mark on me. I bend over and pick up my books. Hedoesn’t try and help. Instead, he just stands there and watches me struggle, like he’s never helped anyone a day in his life. He doesn’t say anything as I walk past, clutching my books tight.
“Dick,” I whisper.
As I continue down the hall, I look back. He stands there and watches me, his face is flat and emotionless, like I’m his prey and he’s prepared to hunt.
What the hell just happened.
I finally get to class and find an empty seat near the back. Professor Bugley faces the board and points at a graph on the screen.Thank God she didn’t notice me coming in late.I open my laptop with shaky fingers and sigh. My cheeks burn, still flushed from my interaction with Callum.
Hours turn into minutes. Before I know it, class finishes, and I can’t get out fast enough. I pace through the halls, hurry to my car, and throw my bag in the passenger seat.
It’s only two in the afternoon and I’m exhausted. My bed is calling me—and so is Dad’s lasagna from last night.
As I slowly back out of the parking spot, my eyes flicker to the rear-view mirror. A tall, distant figure steps into frame. My foot hovers over the brake.Callum.
His face is unreadable, and he clearly doesn't see me, but he has that same quiet intensity about him. He moves with precision, like he belongs in every room he walks into but despises his own presence.
He approaches his sleek black Jaguar XF and glances up as I slowly drive by. For a split second, our eyes lock.
I blink and my heart pounds against my ribs. Callum disappears into the driver’s seat of his car, hiding behind the black tinted glass. There’s a mysteriousness about him that I’m drawn to, something I’ve never noticed until now.
My fingers tingle against the steering wheel as I drive off.What was it about this glance that keeps me thinking abouthim?Although he only looked at me for a second, it feels like he’s been watching me for much longer.
