“It c-could have been w-w-worse.” My voice cracks on the last word and I can feel my hands shake. All because I’m thinking about what could have happened if Shane had claimed me that night.
“You’re right, but then again, maybe it could have been even better.” I can feel his finger snake up the side of my thigh and I’m regretting not wearing stockings. The feel of his skin on mine excites me, and I could do with a barrier right about now.
“See you at the retreat, Thirty-Four. Who knows who you could end up alone with… accidentally, of course.” He gets to his feet with a smile on his face and I can’t help but wonder if that was a promise of more to come? Although, it can’t be… being claimed stops that, doesn’t it?
I look up to see D coming out of the maze and she’s checking all directions before stepping forward. She looks… nervous. Looking all around and playing with her necklace, I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen her like this.
“Hey D, over here,” I call and her head snaps to mine as she rushes forward, but she keeps glancing back toward the entrance to the maze.
“Hey, homegirl, How did the doctor go? You good? Come on, let’s go see if we can book the ping pong table.” She grabs my arm and she isn’t even giving me time to answer as she drags me toward the front doors.
“D, is that Jake?”
She stops instantly, her back going ramrod straight and her breathing is coming out more rapidly as she slowly turns around and watches Jake come out of the maze.
“So it is. I must have just missed him. What a small world it is.” She laughs and continues to drag me back into the Academy. But one thing for sure. D is a terrible liar, and I’m wondering why she would want to hide the fact that she was in there with Jake?***
The week has passed in a blur. Although, I couldn’t help but notice how D was actively avoiding Jake. If he was in the swimming pool, she suddenly wanted to play tennis. If he was outside the mess hall doors, she realized she left something in her room. It’s been like that all week, and she’s refusing to admit that anything is going on. I know I can’t make her tell me, but I’m worried about her. If I’ve noticed, then someone else must have. I don’t want her to get into trouble. I just wish she would let me help her.
I’m running on the treadmill when Jake jumps on the other one, and I wish I was confident enough to ask him outright, but I can’t. Fuck, I can’t even bring myself to say hello.
“Hey, Thirty-Four,” Maddox say’s from behind me. I didn’t even realize he was here. I switch the machine off and wipe my face with a towel before getting off and walking over to him.
“Hey, I haven’t seen you around lately. Y-you okay?” I ask with a small smile, and he returns it easily.
“I am now, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the north wing. I’m not big on socializing,” he says as his eyes flick over to Jake, who isn’t even trying to hide the fact that he’s listening in.
“Don’t worry about me, guys. I won’t say anything if you’ve got something going on. Just be careful.”
“It’s n-n-not like that, we’re friends.” Jake’s eyebrows rise at my words, before he shakes his head with a smile.
“We’re not here to make friends, Luna, remember that. Now, I know Mad here is one of the more honest ones out of the fools in this place, but that doesn’t mean that everyone will believe him. You don’t want rumors to start up about you.” It feels like he’s threatening me, but what am I supposed to do?
“D said you’re the type to help people, or at least, you were when you were younger.” Why did I just say that? Think before you speak next time.
His face falls before he turns his back to us. I share a look with Maddox, and he looks as perplexed as I feel.
“Sometimes, the only way to help someone is to make them realize how wrong their choices or actions are. In all honesty, no one here will think anything is going on between you two, but they haven’t got to believe it to use it against you.” His shoulders are tight and pulled up to his ears, and I feel bad for making him feel this way.
“I’m sorry if my words upset you, I don’t know why I said them. I just… I didn’t think.”
“Yeah well, don’t speak so carelessly. You may not get someone so friendly next time.” He turns to look at me with narrowed eyes and I take a step back without even thinking about it.
“Come on, Luna. We should go,” Maddox says and I’m not even going to argue it.
We head down to the pool and I’m glad to see that it’s empty. I quickly change and join him in the water. He’s swimming laps, but all I want to do is lean my arms on the side of the pool and float.
“Jake is one of the good guys, Luna. He’s just upset,” he says as he comes to rest beside me with his mouth turned down at the sides.
“Why wouldn’t anyone believe that something was going on between us?” What is wrong with you? That question is pointless and does not require an answer. Such a smart inner voice. Shame she’s always two seconds too late to stop me from speaking.
“Do you want them to?” he says each word slowly, as though I’m asking something beyond sense and reason.
“No, but I don’t see why it would be so absurd. You’re amazing, Maddox, and anyone would be lucky to have you.” My cheeks are heating and I’m hoping he won’t notice.
“Because you’re not my type and they all know it. They never let me forget it, either. If I’m honest, Luna, I don’t want any of the girls here, but eventually, I must choose someone to take to my room, and I don’t know if I can handle that.”
He looks so defeated, his shoulders slump and his eyes are shining and staring down at the water. I don’t enjoy seeing him so sad, but I’m not great at offering comfort either.
“I’m not the best person to have around when you need comfort, but I am your friend, i-i-if I-I can help, t-t-then I will.”
“Thank you, Luna. I’m glad it was you who saved my life. I never would have approached you otherwise.” He’s speaking softly, but our heads are close enough that I can still hear him.
“I’m glad too. It’s nice to be around a guy who doesn’t want to use me. You’re a sweetie, Maddox, and I will always try to help you wherever I can.” We share another smile as footsteps sound and I lift my head to find Emmet staring daggers into Maddox, and his smile falls away instantly.
“Out, now,” Emmet orders.
Maddox mouths, “sorry,” before swimming to the steps and climbing out.
I’m floating here, staring up at the deceiver, and I have to fight every instinct to move away when he crouches down and brings himself as close as possible.
“Get dressed, Luna. We’re going for a walk,” he says with a smirk and a glint to his eyes, and I can’t stop the idea forming in my mind.
I watch as Maddox stands at the door, staring at us helplessly, and I shoot him a smile before returning my attention back to Emmet himself.
“No.”
His eyes flash and his fists clench at my words, before he grips my chin and brings his face closer to mine.
“Did you just say no to the Prince? Hmm, I like the confidence, Luna, but I don’t take rejection well. You should remember that.”