Chapter 13
Melody
My heart constrictsas I make my way down the hallway. What does this mean? From the moment Professor Richards said I was his, I've been at his beck and call. What would almost three months by myself even look like? Do I even want to find out? He’s become a part of me, a part that I don’t want to be separated from. I knew I shouldn’t have let my heart come in to play. It’s never neat and tidy like you see in the movies. In reality, it’s quite messy and heart-wrenching. Tears gather in my eyes, and I blink them away. Why did I have to fall in love with him when he clearly doesn’t feel anything for me?
"Why so glum, chum?"
Looking up, I see the quick, easy smile on Chase’s face. So sweet. So simple. Would we actually be together if not for that stupid test? His sky-blue eyes peer down at me, twinkling in the bright sun. But would I want that? He’s such a good boy. Sweet, loyal, boring. Yet, one more way Professor Richards has ruined me. Just a few months ago, Chase was enough for me. My heart fluttered any time he showed me attention. Now, I just can’t see him loving me in the way I need: the way Professor Richards makes me feel. Everything in me flies apart at his touch. For some reason, I can’t see Chase’s tepid touches doing the job. "Just figuring out what to do with my break. Looks like I'll be on campus alone."
His smile widens for a moment, showing off all his teeth. I shiver and look away. I'm making too much out of nothing: not everyone is feral and tasking. Some guys are actually nice, like Chase. Looking back up, his smile is soft and easy. There, I imagined it.
"This is absolutely perfect! I was hoping you'd be sticking around!" He throws his hands in the air in a dramatic flair. "I need your assistance in the gravest way, madam."
My brows furrow, and I take a step back. "What's gotten into you?" I can't help the small giggle that passes through my lips. After months of nothing but serious conversations and intense scenes, it feels nice to do something normal with a friend. My gut clenches as I look at him, taking in the way his muscles stretch out his shirt. Exactly. A friend and nothing more.
Dropping down to execute a flamboyant bow, he looks up at me and winks. "You're looking at the newest cast member of Romeo and Juliet. Lists went up today!"
I pause, searching my brain. They had a theater program here? They must. They have everything else. Smirking, I cross my arms and look him up and down. "Let me guess, you're the meatheaded muscle?"
"My lady, you wound me!" Stopping, he places his fists on his hips and puffs up his chest. "I am none other than Romeo."
"I had no clue you were interested in theater." Sliding away, I try to put some distance between us. The closer he gets, the faster my heart races. My stomach plummets, and I feel the need to run away. "Hey, why don't you work with Chelsea? I've seen you two hanging around together."
His large frame stalks closer to me, and I back up just as quickly as he eats the distance. My heart pounds as I reach out behind, only to feel the rough brick of the wall. "I don't want Chelsea," he breathes, planting a hand on either side of my head. "I want you."
Gulping, I shrink back into the wall, attempting to be small and non-threatening. "I-I can't. I..." My voice dies as I almost say that I have a boyfriend. But I don't. Not really. And even if he considers us in a relationship, it's not like I can tell anyone else. Hanging my head, I choke back my tears as they threaten to fall. My eyes burn, but I blink them away. Besides, Professor Richards isn't going to be here. He instructed me to find out what I wanted to do. Why couldn't I try theater?
Blinking up at Chase, I give him a watery smile. "What do you need from me?" His loud whoop rings in my ears, distracting me as he scoops me up into his arms and whirls me around. The tight band that's been clenching ever since I left Professor Richards office loosens just a touch. This is exactly what I need, something to distract me. Something normal.
There’s still a part of me that wants to see him one more time, wants to beg him to stay. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t let him leave without one more goodbye.
* * *
Professor Richards
The faint knock at my door comes as a complete surprise. Thinking Melody had already gone back to her room, I let myself mull over the choices I was making. The wrong choices. I know I shouldn’t just abandon her, but clarity will do us both some good. I can’t offer her anything if I’m an empty shell. This break will either solidify my idea to give her back to The Society or confirm that my bachelor days are truly over.
“Come in,” I sigh, not wanting to see her again. If I do, I won’t ever leave.
Instead of Melody, Chelsea comes trotting into the room, her outfit similar to those I demanded she wears. She looks like a faded version of Melody. Not vibrant, not happy or alive. Time doesn’t seem to have been as kind to her as they have to other submissives. Probably because she isn’t claimed yet. Knowing her, she probably expected to be snatched up from the very beginning.
“Care to discuss your classes? I don’t have you on my roster for next semester.”
She giggles, tossing her hair about in what I’m assuming is a seductive manner.
“I’m sure you can squeeze me in. Right? I know you’re pretty full, but you have room for me, right?”
“You’re not even a history major. You’ve already taken your assigned classes. Why would you want to take more?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Her eyes widen in feigned shock.
Unease wiggles its way into my body. She knows I’m with Melody right now. Even though it’s not unheard of for other members to claim one and play with others, I haven’t opened myself up to that option. I wanted to give Melody my full attention until it was time to send her to someone else. My fingers clench as I picture her sighing under another male, her fevered gasps as she falls apart around him.
“What do you want, Chelsea.”
“You, of course, Professor.”
“I’m with Melody.”
She scowls, but it’s so fast I almost miss it.
“You were with me before.”
“Yes,” I bite out. “But I never claimed you.”
“Why hadn’t you?” She huffs, flouncing over to plop herself into a chair. “We were perfect together.”
Hurt shines from her eyes as she stares me down, no trace of the submissive I knew lurking in their depths.
“Honestly, Chelsea, why do you do this to yourself? You’ll find a dominant. It’s just not going to be me.”
“But her? You take that shy, goody-two-shoes over me? Can she take as much as I can? I doubt it.”
“It isn’t a contest, and you’ll do well to mind your tongue where my submissive is concerned. I’m letting this slide just this time,” I intone, making my way around the desk to loom in front of her. “But my leniency is finite.”
Without provocation, she falls to the floor and lays her head on my shoe. If she thinks she can worm her way into my affections with false submission, she has another think coming. As I lean down to order her off of my shoe, a small gasp draws my gaze to the door. Melody stands at the entrance, her eyes bright, cheeks red as she watches us together.
She doesn’t say a word but instead turns around and runs out into the hallway. Sighing, I nudge Chelsea off my foot, ignoring the anger blazing in her eyes. I want to go after Melody, to call her back and set things right. But I don’t. I don’t answer to her. Instead, I grab Chelsea by the arm and drag her out of the office.
* * *