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Settling back to my defeated position, I groan again and cover the back of my head with my arms. “No.” I whine, knowing how annoying I sound but can’t bring myself to give enough of a fuck to change.
This is his fault anyway.
I shake my head against the wooden surface, fighting against the thoughts that still try to work their way into my brain. It’s been several weeks since Killian kneeled for me and he has since spent every moment together making up for his unwarranted punishment.
Killian runs his hand up and down my back. Leaning over me, I feel his hot breath against my ear. When he doesn’t say anything, I turn my head and peek an eye open, peering up at him. Killian’s gaze is fixed on the textbook in front of me, laying open at the spot I gave up on.
“What are you studying again?” His eyes are narrowed on the book, darting back and forth as he quickly scans the page.
Lifting my head, I lean back in the seat and cross my arms. “Criminal psychology. Not that it’ll do me any good.” I grumble, glaring at the textbook.
Turning his head slowly, Killian meets my gaze, his eyes gleaming as he demands, “Tell me everything.”
I sling the strap of my book bag across my chest, shoving my notepad and books back inside. The quicker I can get out of here the better. I thought I was ready to return to normal lifebut I think I was wrong. Today has been hell. One reminder after another of how far behind I am and that I have no hope of catching up.
Tears fill my eyes as I try to convince myself that it’s okay to have to repeat a semester. That it doesn’t make me a failure.
I scream when a hand lands on my shoulder. Spinning around, I lift my fists in front of me, knocking my things on the floor in the process. “Jeezus, you scared me half to death.” I mutter, glaring up at Tyler before looking at the floor with a sigh. Bending down, I start gathering up the loose papers, pens, and books.
“Sorry Ava.” Tyler murmurs, dropping into a squat to help me. Once everything has been picked up, we both stand and stare at each other in awkward silence. After several long moments, Tyler clears his throat. “You haven’t been returning my calls. Or texts.” Darting his eyes away, he clears his throat again and rubs the back of his neck.
My heart aches for him, yet another person I have let down. “Yeah I’m sorry. I’ve-” I cut myself off, not sure where to go with that sentence. There are a lot of reasons I’ve had for avoiding him, none of which are ones I care to share. Sighing again, my shoulders slump as I say, “I’ve just had a lot going on.”
Tyler looks back at me, hurt shining in his sad eyes. “You know I’m here for you, right Ava?” I flinch back as he reaches a hand toward me, causing him to freeze midair. Narrowing his eyes, he slowly lowers his hand. “Okay, spill. What the fuck has you so jumpy?”
I shake my head, unable and unwilling to voice it out loud.
Tyler takes a step closer, crowding me back against the small desk. “Tell me what’s going on.” He demands, reaching up once more and tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. My breath catches at the touch, scared of what I might say if he keeps thisup. Peering down at me, Tyler shifts his hand until he’s gripping the back of my neck. “Please.” He whispers, leaning even closer.
My entire body is frozen. Every part of me is screaming to push him away but I can’t move. I blink slowly and force my lips open, “Ty-”
I don’t get to finish my sentence before Tyler’s body is ripped away from me, his nails digging into my skin. I cry out as they tear into my flesh from the force he is thrown with. “What thefuckis going on?” Killian roars, his chest heaving as he glares down at Tyler.
Tyler tries to yank himself free from Killian’s grip but Killian is too strong. “Dude what the fuck? Let me go.” Tyler snaps, jerking once more.
Ignoring him, Killian turns his murderous gaze toward me. “Avamarie.” He growls, sending a shiver down my spine. “This better not have been what I think it was, baby girl.”
My brain jolts as it snaps back to reality.
Wait, he thinks I was going to…
A sickening satisfaction fills me at the reversal. I’m always the one on the receiving end of these situations. Guilt immediately replaces the feeling and I hate myself for it.
Quickly scrambling up from the desk, I rush toward the two men. Ignoring Tyler’s protests, I place my hands on Killian’s chest, holding his gaze with mine. “It wasn’t, I promise.” I press my palms harder into his chest. “Tyler was just worried about me and I…well, I froze.” I sheepishly admit, my cheeks reddening from the blush creeping up my chest and across my face.
Killian doesn’t say anything, looking between Tyler and me. Finally, after a long tense moment of silence, he mutters, “I knew I should have killed him when I had the chance.”
My eyes widen and I reach a hand back before slapping him hard across the face. Killian stares at me in shock, clutching hisreddened cheek. “Don’t you fucking say things like that. Tyler is one of my best friends.” My eyes drift toward said friend, noting the horror on his face from the exchange. My heart aches as I realize I’m most likely going to lose him too. Just another thing down the drain.
Turning my attention back toward Killian, I plead, “Please don’t hurt him.” He opens his mouth and I quickly add, “For me.”
Killian presses his lips together and stares at me, eyes flashing before he slowly nods. “Okay, firecracker. For you.” Turning back toward Tyler, he tightens his hold on the terrified boy, leaning forward as warns in a low voice, “Don’teverlet me catch you touching what is mine again or it won’t matter what promises I’ve made.” Killian shakes him. “Am I clear?”
Tyler frantically nods his head. “Y-yes. Crystal.” He stammers.
Releasing him, Killian takes a step back and slings an arm over my shoulders. “Good. Now run along.” Dismissing Tyler with a wave of his hand, Killian chuckles as we both watch Tyler dart from the classroom.
Once alone, he turns toward me and pulls me into his arms. “Hi baby girl.” Killian murmurs, clutching me tight to his chest. “How was your day?”
