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He growls. “When did you become so insolent?”
“I’m not being insolent. It’s just a fact.”
All I hear is a frustrated sigh on the other end. “Enjoy your break, Adrianna.” He ends the call.
I clench my phone so hard it’s a wonder it doesn’t break in half and let out a frustrated noise.
“Someone sounds like they’re in a bad mood,” Camilla says from behind me, approaching with all her bags.
I turn to face her and force a smile. “Father being his same old self.”
“Oh, ignore him. He’s an idiot for not coming here himself and bringing you home.”
“Thank fuck he didn’t do that.”
She laughs. “So, if you get bored once Eva’s husband is back, the offer stands for you to come and stay with us. We’ll have loads of fun and my driver can come and pick you up.”
It’s strange that while her offer is inviting, something, or someone, is tempting me to remain at the academy.
Archer.
He’s going to keep me company once Oak is back, and I’m kind of looking forward to it, even if I wouldn’t admit it out loud. We have a lot in common, from interests to our family history. I may never forgive him for blackmailing me into sex with him, but I can’t deny I’m enjoying spending time with him, not just the sex which I never expected.
It changes nothing, though. The simple fact is that Archer Daniels blackmailed me into having sex with him, and that’s something I can never forgive him for.
“I’ll think about it. But a week to myself sounds quite good right about now.”
There’s a flicker of hurt in Camilla’s eyes, no doubt because she hoped I’d agree. And to be fair, it is offensive if I were declining just to spend a week alone, but that’s not the case. I can’t tell her that, though.
“Okay, just call me if you change your mind.” She pulls me into a tight hug. “See you in two weeks. I’ll miss you.”
I return the hug. “I’ll miss you too.”
And then she grabs her bags and walks toward the exit. Nat already left last night, which means it’s now just me and Eva left here. I’m due to meet her in forty-five minutes, in the cafeteria for lunch, and then we’re going to catch a movie this afternoon.
My cell phone rings and I take the call. “Hello?”
“Get your butt over to the gym right now.”
I swallow hard at the sound of Archer’s deep, gravelly voice on the other end of the phone. “Sorry, I’ve got plans.”
There’s an animal like growl on the other end of the phone. “I said, now.” He ends the call, and I realize I can either disobey him and he’ll come and find me and embarrass me in front of Eva, or I can just see what he wants.
Sighing, I check my watch. As long as I’m quick, I’ll still be on time to meet Eva for lunch. The gym is obviously empty when I get there, except for Archer, who is sitting on the bottom bleacher, waiting for me.
“Come here,” he demands.
I purse my lips together. “I told you I have plans. What is this about?”
“Now, Adrianna.” The tone of his voice sends shivers through me, even though I wish it didn’t.
Who knew that after years of opposition to authority that I’d love being bossed about by a lover?
I still give him my best glare as I walk over to him. “What?”
He pats his knee, and the desire to disobey him claws at me.
“Do you think I’m like five years old or something?”
