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Mason lifted his gaze to us, and his breaths deepened.
“It was just a kiss.”
“You kissed her?” Bridge hollered louder than he should have, then exhaled loudly. “You two let your dicks dictate your decisions. Clearly, I’m the only one who can think straight and not jeopardize our situation. Fuck, Mason. You called the shots and made a promise the girls are off limits, and you crumbled just as fast.”
Mason said nothing but frowned before he moved to the door and stuck his head out, checking if anyone was eavesdropping on us.
I completely understood how he felt. The desire for Katerina strangled me. The idea of staying away felt impossible. Not even the fear of us getting busted was a cockblock enough to stop me. I noticed the same battle behind Mason’s gaze.
“You two are fucking joking, right? Do you think you could keep it in your pants for the rest of the month? Then we can leave this place for good?” His grey eyes darkened, and I fought the urge to tell him to chill the fuck out. I guessed he just had to get it out of his system, then he’d be fine with it.
“You’re right,” Mason murmured, glancing at me to agree as well, but the words wouldn’t come. After tasting her on my fingers, unable to get her scent out of my head, how the hell was I meant to walk away from her? Besides, I absolutely adored her defiance earlier, grinning at me with a challenge that was accepted. Whatever she had planned for me, I wanted it.
“Logan, focus, man,” Bridge growled.
“Sure, I’lltrymy fucking best.” I drove my hand through my hair, then moved to leave the room, needing fresh air to clear my head and think straight.
“We’re not finished,” Mason announced. “We have the parent visitation tomorrow. We need to make sure we’re organized and have our stories straight about when Father Michael and the other two Fathers will return from their training overseas.”
Heaving a breath at the lies we spun to remain hidden at the institute, I flopped back down into the leather chair and propped my feet up on Mason’s office.
“Okay, hit me. Let’s get this over with.”
Kat
The morning sun had barely risen, yet Shadow Hill was buzzing with activity. Today was the day of parental visitation. Everyone hurried about, their steps faster, their movements jittery. It was as if the building itself was holding its breath.
Most of the girls rarely saw their parents. Some, like me, didn’t want to. Excitement flitted on the faces of the few who expected their families. I felt oddly sorrowful, as though I was being left out, yet I had no interest in seeing my stepdad again.
Classes were put on hold for the day, which was a bonus.
I had a different agenda.
Adrenaline pumped in my veins, making me feel more alive than ever as I slipped down the corridor, my gaze darting around, ensuring no one watched me. I inched toward the main study room, where they would have one of the presentations. My heart pounded louder with each step.
“Just don’t get caught,” I whispered to myself.
As I reached the door, a hand landed on my shoulder.
My insides froze, and I spun around, ready to bolt. Relief washed over me as I found myself face-to-face with a familiar face.
“Jesus, Louise, you scared me!” I gasped, pressing a hand to my racing heart.
“Why are you sneaking around?” She arched an eyebrow. “What are you up to?”
I swallowed hard, thinking quickly. I couldn’t let her know the real reason. I had to come up with something believable, and fast. The day had only just begun, and I already felt like I was walking a tightrope.
“Uh, I just, uh, forgot something here yesterday,” I stammered, doing my best to avoid Louise’s piercing gaze.
“Really?” Skepticism painted across her face. “Out of all the places in this building, you left something in the main room?”
“Yeah. I had a class here,” I replied a bit too quickly, heat creeping up my neck. “You know me, always forgetting where I put things.”
Louise narrowed her eyes at me, her arms folding across her chest. I could see the gears turning in her head. “I don’t believe you, Kat.”
I sighed, frustration simmering within me. I wasn’t used to being interrogated this way, especially when I was already on edge. “You know what, Louise? It really isn’t any of your business,” I snapped, sharper than I’d intended.
Her eyes widened a fraction. She stood there silent for a moment, before nodding slowly and turning to walk away, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts and guilty conscience.
