Page 133 of Glutton for Punishment

Ryker opens his mouth.

“No,” I snap. “And no more involving me in your rivalry. I can handle myself,” I say. “I appreciate the help, but I am not some helpless damsel.”

Somehow, they both look offended. I groan loudly and walk away.

Chapter 39

Arwen

Since I’m already in the general wing, I decide to drop in to visit Professor Gabriel. I haven’t seen him around since returning to SinVail, since I don’t have any classes with him this year, but I should make sure our deal still stands.

My face heats and I cringe at the memory of the drunken disaster in his office. The morning’s been full of drama though, so what’s one more awkward encounter? At least I’m not under the influence this time… or sporting pigtails.

Entering the classroom, I find it blessedly empty. My boots echo against the marble as I make my way through the room to his office. I can feel the small tug in our bond that tells me he’s inside.

It almost feels foreign now, compared to the blaring, completed proximity bond that links me to Maddox and the uncompleted, but much stronger bond to Atticus.

The polished oak door stares back at me. For a second, I consider turning around. I lift my hand anyway and knock.

A few seconds later, the handle turns.

Professor Gabriel opens the door, sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms, dark vest immaculate as always. Surprise flickers across his face for the briefest moment before it smooths away into something warm and composed.

“Arwen,” he says. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

His voice remains as steady as always. He removes his glasses and tucks them into his pocket. How do such cool grey eyes smolder so hot?

“I, uh…” I clear my throat. “Can we talk?”

One dark eyebrow lifts, but he steps aside. “Of course.”

The office smells of old paper, cedarwood, and tea. It smells like him. Books line every wall from floor to ceiling. I step inside and close the door behind me while he moves around the desk with effortless grace.

“Sit,” he says.

I sit across from him, folding my hands tightly in my lap so he doesn’t see them shake, and for a moment neither of us speaks.

I exhale. “I’m sure by now you’ve heard about my bonds.”

Gabriel leans back in his chair with smooth, infuriating composure. “Ah. Yes, the rumor mill had made it my way regarding the two recent additions.”

His nonchalance is prickling. I glare at him. “…And?”

“Well,” he says pleasantly, “congratulations seem appropriate. Proximity bonds are rather rare.”

Heat crawls up my neck. I study his face, trying to read through the calm polish of his expression. He sounds normal. Too normal.

Like hearing I’m suddenly bonded to multiple men doesn’t bother him at all.

Which somehow bothers me.

“So you have no other feelings about it at all?”

He exhales and runs his fingers through his wavy hair. A piece still flops down on his forehead, and it’s so adorable I have to look away. “You know I can’t have feelings about this, Arwen.”

I twist my fingers together in my lap and swallow. “And what about our deal? Does… this change anything?”

His gaze settles on me fully now, sharp and attentive in a way that makes it difficult to breathe normally.