I’m giggling, and shaking my head. “That’s the worst bloody story I’ve ever heard.”
“It’s a futuristic tale, though.”
I giggle at that, as he combs his fingers through my hair again. “Shhh, now. Be my good girl.”
Good girl.
Yes.
I’m his good girl.
Am I?
I close my eyes and finally fall asleep.
I wake the next day before he does, my stomach growling with hunger. I’m in dire need of a hot cup of tea. I find a kettle on a little table, and make myself a cup. He wakes up shortly after I do.
“Breakfast, love?”
His hair’s all sticking up crazy.
“What?” he says, scratching his chest while I laugh.
“You’re so cute when you first wake up in the morning.”
“Cute?” He scowls at me.
“No, not so cute. Cute like a bear that’s been hibernating all winter, then comes out and blinks in the daylight, ready to eat anything he finds.”
He rolls his eyes but smiles. “We need to meet up with the others.”
“Aw, no more morning snuggles?”
“We’ll snuggle later,” he says. “Promise.”
Today’s a dismal, rainy day, with thick storm clouds making it look like it’s still nighttime. The skies open just as we get to the hall for breakfast.
“Dammit, you’re soaked,” Tiernan says.
“How’d I manage to get soaked and you’re nearly fine?” I ask, trying to wring out my hair.
“Timing,” he says with a chuckle.
“Tiernan, I was looking for you.” Malachy’s at the head table, buttering a scone. “Can we talk about class today?”
“Aye.” I join him, but really want to at least wring my hair out a little more.
“Need to use the restroom, Tiernan.” I say as he sits beside Malachy.
Tiernan nods and says to Malachy, “We’ll be right back.”
I shake my head. “Tiernan, I’ll be fine for one little minute without you, especially with your brothers here.”
But the look on his face brooks no argument. He walks me down the hall to the restroom and waits just outside the door. I feel like I’m on parole or something.
I do my best to dry off a bit with some paper towels, tipping my head upside down to shake the water out. When I stand, I find myself staring right at the headmaster.
I jolt. I thought I was alone. And what’s he doing in the women’s loo?
“Hello,” he says with a smile. “I’m sorry, you were likely looking for the ladies’ room?”
I look in astonishment at the door. “Oh. Oh, aye,” I say, confused. Did I use the wrong one?
“Nothing to worry about,” he says. “I’ll be sure no one comes in.”
“No, that’s quite alright,” I say, flustered. I turn to leave. “Tiernan’s just outside, I’ll just —”
I feel his hand on my arm, and spin around to look at him. I’m so shocked, I don’t know what to say at first.
“I… let me go, please.”
I try to shake him off, but he doesn’t let go. He’s much bigger and stronger than I am, and he’s using the element of surprise to his advantage. Anger surges up in me, hot and furious.
“If you don’t let me go, I’ll scream for Tiernan.” I’ve got half a mind to do it now, but I’d hate to scare anyone.
He shakes his head and smiles so benevolently at me that I wonder for a moment if I’m actually the one who’s out of line. “Relax. I’m not going to hurt you.”
Said the Big Bad Wolf to Little Riding Hood.
I tug my arm away, and he lets me go. “I was just trying to have a nice conversation is all. I was trying to prevent you from running out of here all scared. Just wanted to lead you to where you wanted to go. There’s no need to be afraid, now.”
I open my mouth to scream for Tiernan, but the words won’t come out.
He reaches a hand to me, and I freeze as his fingers stroke my cheek. A chill runs down my spine. “You are awfully lovely,” he says, his voice affected. “And if you’re ever in need of a little adult companionship… I’ve heard you like all kinds.”
I feel frozen in place but finally get my nerve up, place my hand on his, and shove him away.
“Don’t ever touch me again.” My head feels warm, and I’m trying to decide what to do. I want to smack him, or shove him away from me, but he’s the headmaster of the McCarthy family school.
I’m just a prostitute on the run.
Who would they believe?
I shove his shoulder, but he doesn’t move.
The door to the bathroom swings open, and Tiernan stands in the doorway, looking mildly surprised. At first, the headmaster can’t hide his own surprise and fear when Tiernan looks at him, but a moment later he’s got the same placid expression as usual.
“Looks like your lady friend got lost,” he says with a frown. “I was just showing her the way.” He takes a step back and scowls at me. “You’d better keep an eye on her, Tiernan. She was making some rather unwelcome advances. My wife wouldn’t be pleased.”