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Adrian’s grin pulls wider than the Cheshire cat’s as Madame Cora folds the few undergarments I picked out, including the burgundy lace thong he pointed out earlier. He strains to hold in his chuckle at my glare. My eyes bore into the side of his head, warning him not to say a word.
I only picked out a few items as he had assured me that somehow my wardrobe would be transported to me tomorrow. I’m quickly learning not to ask too many questions for my sanity’s sake. This is either my new reality, and I will have to slowly adjust, or I’m in a coma right now, this world just a figment of my imagination. He waggles his eyebrows as Cora folds a silk sleepwear set, black, with red lace trim. I subtly elbow him, keeping my eyes straight ahead. Ignoring his loud guffaw as his laughter finally bursts free.
Cora pushes the bag towards me as Adrian slides a card to her. I glower over at him as Cora accepts it delightedly, swiping the card and handing it back to him.
“You’ll get your card soon.” He smiles down at me, ignoring my look. “Consider this an apology. Normally you would have time to accept everything. Say goodbye before you’re brought to the academy.”
I nod in understanding, not wanting to dwell on it too long. I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to Nelle. I pull in a deep breath pushing my thoughts to the side as I accept the bag from Cora. Hopefully, Nelle isn’t too worried and made it back home from the club.
“You’ll have no problem adjusting, hun.” She smiles back at me. She seems wise, like an old soul, despite her youthful appearance. “You’re welcome back here any time. You have great taste, might I add.” She winks, grinning suggestively. Her eyes dart to Adrian for a brief moment before hurrying into the back room.
Adrian’s grin returns tenfold, and he puffs out his chest, holding his elbow out to me. I take it without hesitation, rolling my eyes as a small smile plays on my lips. He grabs my bag for me and leads me from the store into the bustling corridor. I head in the direction of the administrative office at the far end. And like a gentleman, holds the door open for me and gestures me through.
“Oh Adrian, you’re back so soon,” A petite brunette woman chirps behind a large marble desk, jumping up from her seat. Her smile dims when he wraps his broad arm possessively around my shoulder. I light up inside, reveling in the intimate touch before I can realize what is happening. Brushing off the strange possessive feeling creeping up, I force a polite smile that doesn’t reach my eyes.
“This is Olivia Rothchild, the student I told you about before. She needs her orientation package.”
Her eyes dart to the lazy arm he has draped around me to the familiar comfort we have around one another. She scowls in my direction before quickly schooling her features and smiling brightly at Adrian.
“Of course, just one moment.” She beams at him and scampers out of the room.
“Is there anyone at this school that doesn’t have a crush on you?” I murmur under my breath, looking down. My annoyance ratchets up with how jealous I feel towards these fawning women.
“Like I said, I only have eyes for one woman.” Ducking his head down, he kisses the top of my head. I take comfort in the gesture before jumping out of his embrace. My arms wrap around me protectively. Heart aching from the absence of his touch. The thought makes me back further away from him, confused by these sudden feelings.
“Here we are.” The woman skips back with a folder in her hands. Her smile widens as she takes in the distance between Adrian and me.
“You will find your class schedule and rooming assignment in there, along with your keys and allowance card,” she blurts, quickly focusing back on Adrian. He grimaces at her hand shooting out to clasp his. My hands bunch into fists, eyes narrowing on her, a jealous rage flooding my veins. Oblivious to me, she continues to stare at Adrian, caressing his hand.
“You are so nice to show a student around like this.”
I take a deep breath shaking off the foreign feeling as I shake my head. I never get jealous, especially over men I barely know. I shake my head again, blaming it on the faint haze of alcohol, even though I know I am basically sober at this point.
I stalk from the room, envelope clutched in my palm, sandals slapping against the marble floors. I push the large door open and take a deep breath. Calming myself against the feeling still twisting my stomach. The door swings back open with a rush of air. I catch Adrian looking over at me, frowning. He tilts his head to the side, pursing his lips, examining me.
“Where to next?” I cut curtly, breaking his gaze and his eyes move up to meet mine.
“The electronics store.” He blinks, as though trying to figure out my sudden shift. I take a deep breath steeling myself as I head towards the brightly lit electronics store. Hearing Adrian’s footsteps behind me, I try to get a hold of myself. My thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Adrian makes his way towards an associate, listing the items off before he rushes away. I shuffle nervously, biting my lip as I pretend to look at a pair of headphones. My mind spins with thoughts of not wanting to get too close to anyone. I chew my lip, guilt bubbling in my stomach at the confused expression on Adrian’s face. It may be new and exciting, the palpable connection thrumming between us, seemingly impossible to resist. My chest tightens. My irrational fear of attachment and rejection rushing through me while I absently walk through the aisles. Overwhelmed by the feelings running through my mind, I push them down like everything else.
“Are you ready?” Adrian asks softly. His footsteps were so quiet, I hadn’t heard him approach. I give him a small smile, not wanting to project my trauma onto him. Nodding, I walk beside him as we make our way out of the store. I follow his lead, and we make our way back out to the main entryway and head across the large hall, where a towering fountain decorates the center. Sculpted statues adorn the sides and shoot streams of water toward the middle. Students mill about, less interested in us than before, except a few groups of girls stopping to stare and whisper to each other. Their eyes narrow in my direction as we pass. Hopefully, not everyone will be obsessed with the gods at this place.
Adrian leads me to the far side, pulling a large, intricately designed bronze door open. Motioning me ahead, he closes it behind us. The sudden silence is deafening compared to the constant chatter outside.
He motions towards my envelope and I hand it to him. He searches around for a moment, before pulling a small green slip from inside. He glances at it before placing it back in the envelope. Wordlessly moving forward, he glances at the room numbers on the doors.
I rack my brain, anxiously searching for the words to explain why I keep distancing myself, despite the instant attraction. Finally, we stop in front of a large wooden door, the number five hundred and fifty-five, in bold script. He reaches into the folder again, grabbing a key and passing it over to me.
Biting the corner of my lip, I take the key from him, careful not to let my fingers brush against his. I turn the key in the lock, the bolts clicking and the knob releasing, allowing the door to swing open into my new room. I inhale deeply, calming myself before stepping forward. As I step over the barrier, I attempt to convince myself to let go of my fears, beginning this new chapter of my life on a good note.
The room is decorated plainly. Large billowing drapes hang at the windows and a comfy duvet and feather pillows adorn the queen size bed. A desk and chair sit beside the door, no more remarkable than any other dorm room across the world, save for the intricately designed marble decorating the walls.
Adrian takes a step in, visibly uncomfortable. He sets the bags down on my desk, glancing around the room. I step back towards the door, closing it slowly before my eyes raise to meet his.
“I’m sorry,” we both blurt at the same time, my cheeks flushing. He gestures towards me. Motioning for me to explain first. Glancing down, my hand instinctively raises to rub my bicep anxiously.
“This isn’t easy for me. I’m not used to feeling anything more than attraction towards someone.” The confused expression drops at this. His sly smile turns his lips up once more. My eyes drop down, embarrassed by any admission that may make me seem as though I’m weak.
