Page 141 of Sorrow & Strangers

“What’s going on? Are you in trouble with someone again?”

“You don’t even fucking love me,” she practically spits at him before shoving the cash into her pocket and storming out.

Max stands there, and for the first time, he appears defeated.

“Max?” I say, moving closer and gently placing my hand on his back.

He straightens and clears his throat. “It’s fine, Sum. Can’t fix everyone.”

“Your sister?” I ask, stepping around to look up at him.

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, wrapping my arms around him.

“It’s whatever,” he says, not hugging me back.

“Hug me back, asshole.”

He huffs but wraps his arms around me.

“I may be a mess, but I’m here for you,” I say, pulling him close.

He snorts, leaning down and sucking loudly on my neck. “I know.”

“Max . . . this isn’t the time,” I moan.

“It never is,” Max says, releasing my neck. He steps back, rubbing his thumb over the mark I know he has left on my delicate skin. “At least you have a little memento now.”

“Memento?” I ask, looking up at him.

“We can’t end a workout without a last-time moment.” He winks at me and slides his hand into mine, pulling me toward his office.

I dig my heels in. “As tempting as that sounds, I have a training session with Headmaster Emrys that I’m already late for. I’ll text you?”

“Right. See you,” Max says, his eyes flashing green.

I lean in and kiss his cheek before hurrying out of the gym.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Summer

“Enter.” The anger in his voice is clear even through the door, but I steel myself and push forward. His silver eyes lock with mine the second I’m visible, and I have to suppress a shiver.

“Hello, sir. Sorry I’m late.”

He narrows his eyes. “My time is valuable, Miss Tuatha De Daanan. Do not be late again.”

My cheeks heat and I look away, unable to hold his gaze any longer. Fuck. How does he do that? He makes me feel submissive under his hard stare.

“I apologize.”

He pushes away from his desk and waves his hand. The portal opens to his left, and he walks through it, not bothering to look back to see if I am following.

My neck throbs, and I brush my fingers over it, flinching at the sensitivity of my skin. I curse under my breath. Please tell me I didn’t show up to the headmaster’s office late and with a hickey.

On the other side of the portal, the headmaster stands with his back to me, and I can’t help but notice the flex of his muscles as he shifts to activate his runes.