Page 40 of Black Light: Cured

The members filter in, filling the space. Not only is this my first time teaching a class, but it will

also be the first time since Saturday that I might see Master Aiden. My mind is a tumultuous mess as I

scan the people, looking for him. But why should I even care? I purposely stayed away, leaving as

soon as I was done with my last client so I wouldn’t see him.

But staying home from the club until today didn’t help matters any. I’m still just as confused—

maybe even more so. What he did was inexcusable. It didn’t matter that he used the, I just didn’t read

everything, defense. A medical professional like himself should have known better. It did help that he

apologized in front of everyone, and even more that he admitted he wanted me.

That went a small way in soothing my crushed ego and injured professionalism. But deep down, it

still hurts, it still smarts every time I think about it. I know he wants to put it all behind us, but I’m not

sure if I can. After the way the club backed me up, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t even want to

pursue anything with me, too concerned that they would always jump to my defense for every little

thing.

Out of everything that happened, that actually made me feel good. I didn’t want people humiliating

him or making him out to be an awful person, but just knowing that they all had my back, that they

wouldn’t let anything happen to me, actually made me feel safer and more loved—as if I was more

than just a person to them, but instead like I was family.

Once more, I look up and stop as Master Aiden saunters in, his shoulders back and proud, haughty

even, as if the events of Saturday didn’t affect him at all. He stares me down, his lips twisting into a

knowing smirk as he makes his way forward. His eyes never leave mine as he winds his way through

the gathering crowd, obviously intent on getting to me. The intensity of his stare leaves me breathless,

and for just a moment, I feel like one of those love interests in romantic movies.

But I’m old enough not to believe in fairytales or instant happy endings, especially not with what

transpired between us. Before he can get much closer, Master Spencer steps between us, his arms

crossed and feet planted.

“What’s your business here, St. James?”

Master Aiden smirks again and leans over to speak with me, ignoring Master Spencer completely.

“I just want to see how you’re doing. I missed you Sunday.”

“And what of it?” Master Spencer chides, sliding to block me from Master Aiden again. “Unless

you’re prepared to grovel some more, I suggest you go find your seat.”