Only when I’m so worn out that my mind has somewhat calmed, I slip out of the gloves and allow myself to get some water from the fountain.
Instead of going back to the dorms, I head to the level below, where I know Aspen has her next class. When I get to the room, I don’t bother knocking. I simply walk into the history class taught by Professor Brush. The old man glances up from his desk in shock. His mouth opens like he is about to yell at whoever barged into his class, but when recognition sets in, his thin lips smack back together.
“Can I help you?” he asks, like he is actually offering to assist me in any way he can.
“No, just need to borrow one of your students for a minute,” I explain.
The professor gives me a baffled look but doesn’t interject as I pass him and walk further into the room. I scan the class for Aspen and find her sitting in the very back corner, probably trying to stay off people’s radar. Her shocked eyes find mine, and I can’t help but smirk at the perpetual frown on her face.
All the other students in the room are glaring at me with a mixture of fear and caution, as if one wrong move might set me off. All except Aspen, who is looking more annoyed by the second.
Keeping my gaze on her, I lift my finger and motion for her to come with me. I’m pretty sure she is stomping her leg under the table, but even with her obvious frustration, she gets up. Leaving her bag and book behind, she follows me out of the room.
As soon as I shut the door behind us, she folds her arms in front of her chest defensively. “What the hell are you doing? That professor already hates me. He will never let it go that I interrupted the class.”
“I interrupted the class.”
Aspen rolls her pretty blue eyes at me. “That’s not how it works, and you know it. At this university, everything is my fault, and nothing is yours.”
“Yes, you are probably right, so why don’t you skip class and let me fuck you instead?”
“Is that seriously why you pulled me out of class? For a booty call?”
“No, but that would be a plus.”
“I can’t skip any more classes… not that I would just because you want to get your dick wet. Now, tell me what you want so I can go back to hell.”
“I want you to stay away from Vito.”
“Vito? This is about the new guy?”
“Yes, you need to avoid him.”
“Wow.” Aspen shakes her head. “You can’t stand seeing anyone being nice to me, can you? Would you rather him trip and elbow me in the hallway like half of the students? Or maybe just ignore me like the other half?”
“I’d rather you be tied to my bed so no one but me can touch you.”
“Of course, you would. You know I’m a person, right? I’m not your plaything, a sex toy you can use whenever you feel like it.”
“I don’t see why you can’t be both. Now shut up and listen to what I’m telling you. Stay away from Vito. I mean it, Aspen.”
She unfolds her arms with an exaggerated huff. “Fine. I’ll stay away from him. Can I go now?”
Nodding, I wave my hand to dismiss her. She takes a deep breath as if she is readying herself to get yelled at and opens the classroom door. The room falls silent as she steps inside. Just before she closes the door behind her, I glance over her shoulder, and my eyes lock with the professor’s. I give him a warning glare, communicating without words that she is off-limits.
I’m tired of people messing with her. Maybe it’s time I make it clear to everyone. There is only one person who is allowed to mess with her. Me.
25
ASPEN
I’m snuggled under the covers, reading a book, when there’s a knock at the door. I look away from the cream-colored pages of the book to the heavy wood door. Ever since the other night when Matteo assaulted me, I’ve been more leery than usual, if that’s even possible.
Even now, I find the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. What if he’s returned to make good on his threat? What if he doesn’t let me go this time?
I try to swallow, but the saliva in my mouth becomes thick, like concrete. A moment passes, and the air in my lungs shudders out. All I can do is hope the person on the other side of that door goes away. Unfortunately, there is no such luck for me.
Instead of another knock, the beeping of the door unlocking from the use of a keycard fills my ears. My heart skips a beat in my chest when the door opens, and Quinton comes strolling in, a smirk on his devilish face. I let out a calming breath and try to play off the look of terror I’m most likely wearing.