Blaine
As the weeks pass by, I feel the clawing sensation at my gut, warning me that Azira is going to graduate soon.
It’s driving me crazy that I even care. Five weeks until school is out and I never see her again.
I run a hand through my hair, knowing that it is for the best.
She’s been more withdrawn ever since she came back from her sister’s second wedding.
Two weeks before, she went to Mia’s arranged wedding, but Mia was kidnapped by Killian Callaghan, the man she really loves, half an hour before.
Somehow, the Sidorov family and the Callaghan family have come to some kind of agreement for Mia to marry Killian. I was shocked, to be honest, as they’ve been at war for years. The union should bring some stability to the city, at least, that’s the hope.
The desire to spend every possible moment with Azira is making me feel a little insane. After all, I’ve never craved a person’s company the way I crave hers.
After the talk we had in my office when I comforted her over her father’s illness, we’ve spent time together not having sex. A completely foreign and yet oddly enjoyable experience.
In fact, she’s coming over for dinner in twenty minutes.
My little cabin in the woods on the Academy’s grounds is cozy, and Azira seems to enjoy coming here.
Ever since the first time I invited her, she’s always eager to get away.
I guess it’s safer; less chance of getting caught.
She’s been more on edge since her brother arrived, since him catching us would result in violence for certain.
I check the oven to ensure my lasagna isn’t getting over baked.
Cooking has always been a calming pastime that I enjoyed doing for myself, but I never had to do it for anyone else.
Up to now, I’ve ordered takeout for us whenever she’s come down on an evening, but I decided to cook her a meal tonight.
There’s a forceful knock at my door, and my brow furrows as she’s early.
I walk over to it and open the door to find Arch standing there, swaying slightly.
“What are you doing here?”
He smiles drunkenly. “I needed a friend to confide in.”
I clench my jaw. “This isn’t a good time.”
His brows pull together as he glances behind me and notices the table with candles lit and set out for two.
“No way,” he says, swaying to the side. “Don’t tell me you have a date.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“And who, may I ask, is the lucky lady?”
“You don’t know her,” I lie.
Arch tries to take a step inside, but I block him. “Where do you think you are going?”
“I have to meet the woman who has made Blaine Luigi cook for her.”
“No,” I say, grabbing his arm forcefully and trying to push him back out the door. He’s strong, though. Perhaps stronger than me.
“Hey, what’s the problem?”
“The problem is you are so drunk you smell like a fucking bar.” I shove him more forcefully back over the threshold. “Now leave before I do something I regret.”
“You can be a real dick at times. Did you know that?”
I shrug. “I’m not introducing my date to my friend when he’s so drunk he can hardly stand straight. What’s the problem, Arch?”
His jaw clenches. “Adrianna Vasquez is the problem.”
I sigh heavily. “We’ve got five weeks until the end of the year. When are you going to give up trying to get her into your bed?”
He chuckles. “She’s been in my bed plenty of times.”
That’s news to me. “She has?”
“Yes, but she’s completely detached, as if our time together means nothing.”
“Are you saying it means something to you?” I ask, glancing at the clock, as this really isn’t the time to be having this conversation.
He nods. “I think I love her.”
“Now those are words I never expected to hear from your mouth.”
He falls forward toward me and I have to support him. “You need to get it together, Arch. I’ve never seen you this drunk.”
Azira appears then behind him and I shake my head. Unfortunately, Arch notices, even in his drunken state, and spins around.
When he sees Azira standing there in a pretty floral dress with her hair in waves, he gawps at me. “No freaking way.”
“Arch, don’t-”
“You are fucking a student?” he says, eyes wide. “After all the shit you give me about it.”
“The difference is I don’t fuck multiple students each year.”
Azira turns bright red at the mention of me fucking her. “I better go-”
“No, Arch was just leaving.”
Archer gives me an irritated glare. “Surely you have enough food for the three of us. I think we should have a little chat.” He has sobered up a little. “Unless you want me to tell Oak.”
“Don’t be a dickhead.”
“Look Bly, I won’t stay long, but I’m starving and whatever the hell you are cooking smells delicious.” He smiles at Azira, who looks ready to bolt in the opposite direction. “Surely you can spare a little for your closest friend.”
Oak is my closest friend, but I don’t correct him and glance at Azira, wondering what she thinks.
She shrugs, as if it’s up to me.
“Fine, but you aren’t staying long.”
Arch smirks. “No, I wouldn’t want to get in the way of the sadistic fuck session you have planned.”