Page 96 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“Hilarious, really. If ever the music doesn’t work for you just use the stage for comedy.” I said, tone dry.

We were silent a bit longer and I decided manners be damned, I was in pain and deserved a bit of pie.

“I’m nearing 12 miles now.”

“Still a six.” I murmured around the mouthful.

“Alright. How do you want to handle this last bit? Do you want to call it quits and have this be the number we stay between. Or should I find the hard limit?”

“Just keep driving, asshole.” I murmured around the whipped cream. Bit rude of me really, the pie didn’t do anything to be called an asshole.

Taking a few more bites, I let out a bit of a pained whine as it hit a new threshold.

“Seven now, edging on eight.”

“Right. We’re just below 20. Shall I keep on?”

“Yes.” I managed to bite out. Setting aside the empty plate I sipped the water, convincing myself I would be fine and this was not at all the emergency it thought it was. Then, perhaps sensing the lie, my body escalated in pain very quickly.

“Stop. Cillian, stop. I can’t!” I managed to shout out.

“Okay, okay. I’m stopping. I’m 20 miles away, heading back now.”

I stayed curled up on the couch until the pain lessened enough for non-curse words to leave me.

“How far away were you that time I passed out?” I asked, legs now flung over the top of the couch as I watched the flames crackle upside down.

“About 30, I’d apparated home. Took me by surprise when I got your call just as I’d greeted my parents. I’m sure they’re still peeved. I turned around and left without eating.”

“Where do you live by chance? Since Christmas break is next week?” I felt the panic rising in my chest. How were we going to do this?

“Near Oxford.” He said, his posh accent thickening.

I sighed in relief. That was within 20 miles of our village.

“And you?” He asked, I supposed it was polite to exchange the same information as I’d just demanded. But I wasn’t feeling very polite.

“Oh in a village near abouts there. You’ll have to let me know if you’re leaving but we should be fine if we both stay put at home.”

“I think you’ll find my family is not known for staying put during school breaks.”

“We’ll have to coordinate that somehow then.”

“And how do you propose we do that?” He asked dryly.

I quite literally had no idea. I wanted to be rid of him to be honest, despite the panic that rose at the thought.

“You’re sure you don’t want the bond as common knowledge?” Cillian hedged, mischief colouring his voice.

“Quite sure, thank you.” I said, imitating his accent flawlessly. Maybe I should take up comedy, I was hilarious.

“Well then Miss Williams, I believe that you and I should date.”

His laughter was the last thing I heard before he ended the call. He couldn’t be serious. Perhaps I’d misheard him. That was the last thing I wanted. To be seen with him had already sparked murder in Marsha’s eyes. But officially dating? I’d need a food tester, possibly a bodyguard from his other delusional fans. Did one of my new room mates fancy him as well? Probably. Everyone seemed to like him, except me of course.

Pacing the room, I tried in vain to think of another explanation that would make popping up at any of these anticipated outings a possibility for my sanity’s sake. They all fell short. I was still pacing by the time I heard his motorcycle roar outside.

He was smiling as he entered the cabin, his confidence fitting him as well as the leather jacket I grudgingly admired.

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