“Yes,” Gabriel nodded. “You’re allowed to bring your own personality to the room. You can liven it up as you see fit. There aren’t many limits imposed on us or our creative freedoms here.”
“That’s amazing,” I said. “I can’t wait to make this place my own and really bring some character to it.” I would leave the other side of the room empty. My future roommate could decorate however she wanted. I would give her that respect.
I knew that I was going to blossom here once I got my bearings and the nightmares about what I’d been through all my life were finally behind me. It was going to take some time and soul-searching, but I knew that this school had enough distractions to help me get there.
I would probably never recover from the pain of losing my family, but I kept the faith alive that my brother might be out there somewhere.
I glanced up at the guys. They were all so strong and handsome, as cliché as that sounded. They just had that aura about them and I knew they wanted to help me.
“I really don’t know how to repay you,” I said and met each of their gazes.
“You don’t have to repay us,” Pete said with a smile. “Mutants have to look out for each other.”
My heart leapt in my chest. “My mom used to say that too…” I trailed off and looked at my knees in the hopes that they wouldn’t press me about my family.
Much to my relief, they left my comment alone.
“I’m excited to start my classes,” I said, managing a peppy tone.
“You are really going to love it here,” Gabriel said.
“Did you learn mind control here?”
“Somewhat,” he admitted. “But it was already a natural ability. I’m just learning how to fine tune and perfect it here.”
“I see.” I nodded. “I will just have to take the basic core classes and training drills to figure out what my niche will be.”
Jude gave me a hearty glance. “All of that will come in time. Just be patient. You haven’t even been here a full evening yet.”
I chuckled. “That’s true, I guess. I’m just hard on myself to be the best.”
“We all strive for that, believe me,” Jude said.
“We can walk you to class tomorrow,” Nick said with a shimmer of kindness flickering in his gaze.
“You all have been so nice to me,” I said and looked at them in amazement.
“We could see the pain and suffering in your eyes,” Pete said softly. “We just want to do our best to help you put that behind you.”
“Believe me,” I said with a chuckle. “No one wants that more than me.”
That’s when a curious thought popped into my head. I cocked my head to the side.
“Can I ask you guys a question?”
They exchanged glances and shrugged.
“You can ask us anything,” Jude said.
“Okay, good.” I took a deep breath. “This is going to sound really weird but…” I trailed off.
I couldn’t help but note how profoundly attractive they all were. Why were they interested in me? What made me so special?
“Are you guys single?” As soon as the words escaped my mouth, I felt mortified at how direct I was being. But I couldn’t help myself. The question had been gnawing at my mind ever since we had arrived at the campus.
Their reaction was lighthearted. They chuckled and pointed to themselves.
“You want to know if we’re single?” Pete said with an electric grin.
“I know.” I frowned. “I’m being too forward, aren’t I? I mean, we just met—”
“It’s not a problem.” Pete waved his hand dismissively in the air. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Thanks.” I allowed myself to relax a little. My question had come out of left field, but they seemed to be taking it in stride.
“I’m single.” Pete was the first to admit.
“Of course, you are.” Liam and Nick playfully snickered at their friend.
Pete rolled his eyes. “You are too,” he retorted defensively.
“To answer your question, we’re all single,” Gabriel said with a smile, after leaving me hanging in suspense for several seconds. “Why do you ask? Are you interested?”
I felt my cheeks grow hot at Gabriel’s question, but to be fair, I had opened this can of worms in the first place.
“I don’t know…” I trailed off and couldn’t meet their probing glances. “I was just curious, that’s all.”
I didn’t want to admit that the reason I wanted to know if they were in relationships was because I was certain that five sexy guys who seemed to have everything going for them and the world at their fingertips would have girlfriends. I just didn’t want to get my hopes up that our new and evolving bond was too good to be true. I felt like a weight was lifted off my chest when they told me that they weren’t attached to anyone specific.
“Are you single?” Nick asked.
I finally looked up at them and I couldn’t help but smile at their infectious grins.
“Why do you ask?” There were ample amounts of flirtatiousness bouncing among us. My heart raced in my chest and my palms were slightly sweaty.
“You asked us,” Liam said and gave me a teasing smile.
“I’m single,” I blurted out.
I didn’t want to tell them that I’d never actually been with a man. I figured it was something that didn’t have to be stated out loud. They knew I had been locked away since I was a child.
“Are you a virgin?” Liam leaned in closer and inspected me as if he were hanging his entire life on my response.
So, much to my chagrin, they asked the million-dollar question anyway.
I shifted my weight on the bed and glanced at my hands before responding. Then I had the perfect answer. I smiled at them primly. “What happens in the Fundamental Society Home Base camp stays there.”
It was just vague and witty enough to work.
They laughed at my little attempt at a joke. Up until then they had been staring at me with curious expectancy.
“You are such a tease,” Jude said with a playful smirk.
“I’m new at all this,” I admitted with a chuckle and a shrug.
“I think you’re savvier than you are letting on.” Pete gave me a saucy wink that caused my heart to flutter.
“Maybe,” I said and then yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m really exhausted.”
“We can let you get some rest,” Jude said.
“Thank you.” I stood up and walked them to the door. I saw the shower as I passed into the tiny entrance. “That shower is beckoning me.”
“You have fresh clothes that you’ll need to wear on campus and to your training sessions,” Pete said and pointed to the chest of drawers beside my bed.
“That’s perfect,” I said.
“Goodnight,” they all chimed in unison.
“Goodnight.”
I closed the door behind me and released a heavy sigh. It had been a long and stressful day, but here I was, a student at Mutant Academy.
I felt like I needed to pinch myself. I could think about my future tomorrow, but for now I really needed to feel the steam from a hot shower envelop my body. There was something therapeutic about a hot shower that cleansed the soul.
I was seconds away from walking into the bathroom when I heard a knock at my door. I stood there, confused for a few seconds, wondering if maybe I had imagined it. Then it happened again, and my heart pounded.
The registration office already told me that it I probably wouldn’t have roommate for a couple of days. I’d already said goodnight to the guys and watched them walk down the hallway toward the male dormitory tower.
Who was on the other side? I didn’t want to panic, but my pulse swooshed noisily through my ears.
Shut up, I told myself. It can’t be a Fundamental Society scientist or one of their guards. They can’t penetrate the water, which means they can’t breach the school. You are safe.
I clutched the door handle and took a deep breath before swi
nging it open.
15
Jude
My heart was racing. What was I thinking? Was I making a mistake? I had hung back to wait for the guys to scatter off in their own directions before venturing with lead feet back to Tara’s dorm room.
I couldn’t help myself. It was as if some magnetic and unstoppable force was compelling me to go back to her. I wasn’t able to resist the drive that practically shoved me back in her direction.
I hesitated for a few seconds, my closed fist hovering over her door. I wasn’t sure whether to drum my knuckles across it or not. Did she want to be disturbed? Did she just want to be left alone to relax and recover from the stress of the day?
I wasn’t sure, but there was a part of my mind that was gnawing at me.
She is alone in a new, unfamiliar place. She probably wants company.
My brain tried to convince me that she had said she was tired out of sheer politeness to the group. She didn’t seem like the type of girl who needed to be fussed over, which was a good thing and an attractive personality trait.
I knew that she could take care of herself, but I just didn’t want her to be afraid or uncomfortable by herself on her first night. I had curfew soon. It wasn’t like I would be able to stay with her overnight, but I wanted to milk it for all it was worth and give her attention until I had no other choice but to part ways with her.
I bit the bullet and took a deep breath, then lightly rapped my knuckles across her door. I didn’t want to pound on it and startle her.
I held my breath until I heard footsteps and saw the shadow of her feet underneath the slit of the door. My energy was scattered all over the place. It was as if my mind was independent from my body, which was calling all the shots.
A few seconds later, the door swung open. I gave her a bright and beaming smile. “Hello.”
She looked puzzled to see me there, but she didn’t frown, which I took to be a good sign. “Jude?”
“It’s me,” I said with a little wave. “Surprise.”
“Is everything all right?” She glanced with worry down the hall left and right.
“Yes,” I reassured her. “Everything is fine.”
“Then what are you doing here?” She met my gaze. I saw innocence and purity reflecting in her gorgeous red eyes.
“I just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed and were doing all right,” I said.
She smiled as if she were touched by my gesture. “Thank you. I’m doing well and I think I have everything I need.”
“Well, the truth is,” I blurted out before she had a chance to say goodbye to me for a second time. “I just wanted to hang out with you. I’m sorry if that is a little presumptuous of me, but I wanted to get to know you a little now that we have the opportunity for some quality one-on-one time.”
Much to my surprise, her reaction was favorable. Her eyes brightened as if she was flattered by my boundless honesty. I was having a difficult time resisting her, but I kept that part to myself, because I didn’t want to scare her off on her first day.
“That’s very kind of you,” she said.
“Plus,” I continued with a chuckle, “I wanted to ask you where you learned those ninja moves.”
“Oh, you mean these?” She moved around me and pretended to karate chop me again. She was irresistible. She was sexy and spirited and I loved it.
I laughed. “Yeah, something like that. I’m training and a little seasoned in the ninja and karate fields too.”
She stood at attention and gave me a radiant smile. “Is that part of your studies here at the school?”
“That’s right,” I said and gave her a proud smile. That might have been one of the reasons I was so drawn to her. We had a common interest.
“How long have you been studying martial arts?” she asked me as she moved aside to let me in. She closed the door behind us.
“For at least ten years,” I said. “Long before I came to this school.”
“Who taught you?” Tara asked.
“My father.” I smiled. “He…passed away. Killed by the Fundamental Society.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Tara touched my arm and I was floored by the magic of her skin on mine.
I looked up at her and met her gaze. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago.”
She stroked my arm. My manhood began to throb between my legs as the attraction between us deepened, our chemistry off the charts.
“I lost my family to those evil rats, too,” she confessed.
I stroked her cheek. Another thing we had in common. I was captivated and enthralled by her remarkable beauty and her toned and tight body. She was rock hard everywhere, a perfectly sculpted goddess of physique and fitness.
On a whim, I leaned in and planted a perfectly harmless peck on her cheek.
Tara stared at me, looking both shocked and flustered. Her cheeks were burning red.
“I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “I don’t know what came over me just now, but I feel something undeniable between us and I lost control—”
“What was that for?” Tara asked.
I felt my cheeks getting hotter and my ears burned. “I’m really sorry…”
Tara’s eyes softened. She gave me a bashful smile.
“I didn’t mean anything by it. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable—”
“Shhh…” Tara interrupted again and pressed her index finger to my lips as a flirtatious smile spread across her sensual mouth. “It’s okay.” Her voice was a hushed whisper. “You aren’t the only one. I feel it too.”
“Oh, that’s great news.” I allowed myself to relax and took a deep breath.
Tara’s eyes sparkled with mischief. Whatever shyness and reservation she had at my initial kiss must have been cast off with the wind. She took a step toward me. It was a subtle movement, but it was enough to make my heart stop and my stomach flip.
I was rooted to the ground. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. My hands were brushing through her hair. Her mouth was on my lips. She nibbled on my bottom lip flirtatiously. I could hear the sound of her frantic, lusty breathing as it filled my ears and flooded my senses with desire.
“You are really pretty,” I told her. “The other female Mutants don’t look like you at all.”
Tara chuckled and blushed. “I guess that’s a compliment?”
“You bet it is.” I nodded vigorously. She was one of a kind. I had never felt this pull for another female Mutant in my life.
I was a fairly confident guy, but I felt like I was in a lovestruck stupor around her. She made me weak in the knees and I was afraid of getting addicted to her.
“That kiss,” I said as we stood only inches apart, staring into each other’s eyes. “I can’t speak for you, but for me it just felt…right somehow.”
Tara left me hanging in suspense for a few seconds. “I know what you mean. I thought so too.”
“I’m so happy to hear that,” I said. “Thanks for not making me look like a fool.”
“No problem.” Tara grinned. “I’ve already done that enough to you in the past twenty-four hours.”
“Ah.” I nodded in acknowledgement. “So, not only are you gorgeous, but you’re witty too.” She seemed too good to be true. There had to be a catch here.
“I am what you want to see,” she said and gave me an intense look that sent a shiver of pleasure up and down my spine.
“I am what you want to see,” I repeated with a smile. “I’ll have to let that one sink in and remember it.” She had more wisdom than I expected from a person who had been locked up by mad scientists for most of her life.
“Can I ask you a question?” A shadow of vulnerability suddenly cloaked her features.
“Absolutely.” I gave her a casual shrug to let her know that there was no unsafe question to pose to me.
She took a deep breath as if she had to gear herself up for what she was getting ready to say.
“If the kiss just felt right to you…”
She lifted her chin and gazed into my eyes. “Then why did you stop?”
I noticed a little hint of seductive flickering fire through her gaze.
“You want me to keep going?” I was excited. My heart pounded like a drum line in my chest.
Though she had seemed curious and delighted only moments ago, now she looked apprehensive.
“I have to confess something,” she said a little reluctantly.
“What is it?” I was hanging on by a thread.
“I’ve never had sex before. The scientists wouldn’t allow any kind of mating in the Home Base between the opposite sexes. But I’m curious, and I think you are really cute, so I just want to learn as much as I can from you. That includes…in the bedroom.”
She finally exhaled, catching her breath from the elaborate explanation.
I tried to give her a gentle and enthusiastic smile. “I figured you were probably a virgin. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of you and be gentle. If you feel like you want to stop, you can just tell me. I promise I won’t hurt you.”
She was searching my eyes as if she wanted to see proof before she went any further, but after a few moments she relaxed into my arms as I tenderly led her over to her twin mattress.
“Just lie back and relax,” I told her in a soothing voice.
Tara took a deep breath and blinked. “Okay. I think I’m ready.”
There was a current of chemistry buzzing between us. The only sound in the room was that of our heavy breathing in excited anticipation of what was about to happen.
The rod inside my pants was pulsing, pounding to get out and play. I wanted to explore her naked body and make her feel incredible all over. I had never felt more alive in my life. My senses were awakened as I undressed her. After she was naked and exposed, she lay there staring up at me expectantly.
“Is everything okay?” she asked in a timid voice.
“Yes.” I nodded with absolute joy. “Everything is wonderful. You are incredibly gorgeous.”
I could see the wave of relief as it washed over her. She visibly relaxed. I leaned over her and kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear lobes. She let out a soft moan in response that coaxed me along.
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