Julian (Trinity Academy 4)

“Aww… my angel-child. No need to worry about me. My bedazzled ass has the stamina of a stallion.”

I hear a burst of laughter from Lake before he walks into the suite, and Mason has to move fast to grab the pizza boxes from him, before our dinner lands on the floor. I can only assume he’s cracking up because of what Miss Sebastian said.The suite is crammed with everyone sitting where there’s an open space. Taking a bite of pizza, my eyes land on Jamie.

She reaches for another slice and catching me watching her, she sticks out her tongue at me, then says, “You better eat, Mr. Reyes, or I’ll finish it all.”

“Don’t let me stop you from stuffing your face,” I throw back at her, unable to stop the corner of my mouth from lifting.

I’m glad she has a healthy appetite with all the shit that’s happening.

She takes a big bite, and her tongue darts out to lick her lips. “Mhhh… so yummy.”

Mason leans closer to me and whispers, “Enjoying the food porn?”

Scowling at him, I shake my head. “Don’t even go there today.”

“Where do you want to go?” Kingsley asks, catching the tail end of our hopefully short conversation.

“Nowhere,” I answer on behalf of Mason, not giving him time to say something I might regret.

Lake begins to chuckle, which has me shooting a glare his way. “Have another slice, Lake.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” He loads another three slices onto his plate and croons, “Come to Daddy.”

“Where the hell does he put it all?” I mumble to myself.

I’m relieved the atmosphere around dinner is light, and when everyone has had enough, Lee gets up to start cleaning. Layla and Kingsley join her, which has Jamie getting up as well. She walks to my side of the table and leaning close to me, she picks up my plate.

“Thank you.”

I glance up at her as she replies, “You’re welcome. When I’m done helping the girls, can we talk in private?”

“Sure.”

As she continues gathering plates, I rest my elbow on the table, and wondering what she wants to talk about, I rub a thumb over my bottom lip.

Perhaps she wants to discuss the piano lessons I mentioned?

“It’s only a matter of time now,” Lake suddenly says, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“For what?” Mason asks, which has Lake gesturing in my direction.

“Yeah, you think?” Falcon asks.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I ask, hating when they silently communicate with their eyes, which can only mean trouble for me.

“About you taking the plunge,” Lake clarifies, giving me a knowing smile.

“Y’all need to stop already,” I grumble a warning.

“Why? Isn’t my angel-girl good enough for you?” Miss Sebastian jumps into the conversation.

I let out a groan of self-pity, knowing there’s no stopping her once she gets started.

“Leave him be, Miss Sebastian,” Jamie scolds her playfully.

Rhett leans forward, pinning me with one hell of an intimidating look. “Is there something going on, I don’t know about?”

“Not at all,” I assure him.

“Not at all, my bedazzled ass.” Miss Sebastian points a finger at me then at Jamie. “I see the way y’all keep stealing glances at each other.”

I take a deep breath and tiredly rub a hand over my face.

There’s just no winning with these people.

“Like Julian said, there’s nothing going on,” Jamie tries to argue. “Besides, even if we're interested in each other, it really has nothing to do with y’all.”

“As long as it doesn’t affect our business dealings,” Rhett warns.

Needing to assure Rhett, I say, “It won’t. There’s really nothing to worry about.”

“So, you’re admitting there’s something, though?” Miss Sebastian continues to flog a dead horse.

“God, help me,” I groan. “No, I’m just reassuring Rhett so he won’t worry.”

“Hmm…” Miss Sebastian keeps glancing between Jamie and me.

Just as the conversation turns to Preston and his new girlfriend, giving me some reprieve, Jamie walks over to me and whispers, “Can we talk now?”

“You really think now is a good time?” I ask, not wanting the spotlight back on us.

“What are you two love-birds whispering about?” Miss Sebastian asks.

“Too late,” I grumble, closing my eyes in defeat.

“Fine, I’ll just talk here,” Jamie says. “Were you serious about teaching me the piano?”

“You couldn’t wait to ask that?” I rise from the chair, so I don’t have to stare up at Jamie.

“Julian, were you serious?” she asks again.

“Yes. Your previous tutor probably got a new student by now, and I thought it would help take your mind off everything that’s happened.”

“Great, when do we start?” There’s a flash of excitement in her eyes, which is a nice change from the worried expression she’s had since waking in the hospital.

“We can begin as soon as you’re settled into your new room. Though the lessons will have to be after eight in the evenings.”

“I’ll be settled in no time. Can we start tonight?” she asks, a pleading look crossing her features.