by Kenna Bardot
“Nuance.” She waved me off, but she had known exactly what she was doing. Oh, I was sure the bitch knew. She tugged at me, and I dragged Emerson along towards the liquor table. I spotted Pia the exact moment Lottie did. She turned to me with an evil grin. We watched Ramos on the dance floor with Wella and a group of guys around them - not all the guys were interested in the duo, but they’d certainly managed to put themselves front and center.
Lottie, evil grin still in place bumped her shoulders against mine. “Pick one.”
“Nope. No. Absolutely not. Not going there, Lottie.”
“Come on!” she yelled over the music. “They bullied and tried to bring you down last year, so now it’s time to take your power back, darling.”
“I have my power. It’s knowing that I have my four guys and that Vali dumped her ass for me, and I turned him down. What more power do I need than that?”
“Ok, sure. That’s fair. But, Wella?” she asked. “She tried to take Alec Gaius from you. Did she or did she not almost destroy what you, Alec Gaius, and Ronan had started at that stage?”
I didn’t answer as I pursed my lips at her, knowing she had a point. I shook my head - I wasn’t going to do it.
She bumped her hips against mine. “Emerson will play with you. Won’t you, cutie?”
“What are we talking about? Flirting?” Emerson’s head was bobbing up and down to the ear-splitting music.
I held my hands out in front of my boobs, mimicking bigger ones as we walked away from the drinks table. “I can’t compete with those.”
Lottie laughed, fishing an ice cube from her drink and dragging it over my cleavage. “Don’t need to now.” She flung the ice cube away and sucked on her fingers. “Cold!”
I glared down at my headlight nipples and threw her a dirty look. “Gee, thanks, Lot.”
She sent me two thumbs up, completely ignoring the sarcasm. I rolled my eyes at her and, feigning a confidence I didn’t feel, chugged down my drink, which was a bad move as it made me shiver even more.
“That’s better and besides,” she teased, “you’ve got a better little bubble butt than she does.” She spun me around and slapped it, propelling me toward the group of dancers. She followed close behind, moving to the beat.
“I don’t know what in Zeevar I’m doing,” I hissed at her, and Emerson pressed a hand to my lower back to draw me into him when he started moving his hips to the rough beat of the music.
“You have Emerson Hawkins, pro-flirter.” Lottie wagged her eyebrows and winked at Emerson who simply shook his head at her and smiled.
Lottie moved away and tugged another guy with her to dance, laughing and flipping her hair. I let Emerson guide my hips for a bit until I picked up the beat and laughed with him, actually having fun. Chugging snakeberry liquor certainly didn’t hurt and neither did his lips that periodically found their way to my neck.
Lottie leaned over, invading our space. “Hawkins. I’m counting on you.”
“Go away, Lot.” I pushed her away, and she chuckled, wrapping her arms around one of the guys she was dancing with and pulling herself closer towards him. She turned her head towards us and gave us a pointed stare.
“She’s a menace.” I mimicked her and pulled myself closer to Emerson.
Emerson shrugged even as he moved to the beat, taking me with him. “Sure, but she has a point. One guy. That’s all we need - the guy Wella is most striving to get with tonight. We drag him away, make it clear he chose you, that’s enough to embarrass her and tell her she does not get to step all over you, but you don’t have to seduce a dozen guys you have no intention of sleeping with.”
“But-”
“Let’s just agree that Ronan never needs to know about this. He’ll lose his mind otherwise. But he’s not here, and we’re doing this simply to set the tone for the rest of the year, and tell Wella and Pia that you aren’t going to take their shit. But, again, yes he would go on a rampage if he were here.”
I nodded. We knew our Ronan. Eek. “Oh, alright, fair point. Who’s she after then?”
He raised a finger to his lips and silently watched over my shoulder for a while. I could see the gears turning in his head, and that was one of the things I loved most about my Emerson - one of the things most people didn’t know about him. He understood people on a deeper level than most, but he was so cheerful and easy-going it was something easily missed. Added to that, I’d never seen him use those forces for evil really - to him, it was enough to simply understand how people worked because he liked knowing. But he was going to use it for something that one wouldn’t consider positive and that showed me how he felt about me, how protective he was. Wella had hurt me, humiliated me so now he wanted to return the favor.
The song changed to a slower, smoother sound. Emerson switched his movements smoothly, guiding us further into the fray slowly, and helping me change my movements. The slower, more sensual dance seemed to fit us more, and I started to enjoy the way his hands ran over me teasingly as we moved to the music.
He sighed, and I felt his body deflate just a little against me. His mouth found my ear, “Dark blond hair, next to her and kind of dancing with her partially - quite disinterestedly, if you ask me. Deep set hazel eyes, to die for smile with a perfectly chiselled face. He’s wearing a deep blue shirt that fits him like a second skin and shows off broad shoulders that taper to his narrow waist. Very sexy. People call him Cel, but he likes it when you whisper his real name - Marcellus.”
I looked over and found the guy I’d seen Emerson talking to earlier. Seeing him only made my heart break, remembering Vali and remembering that suppressed longing I’d seen on Emerson’s face as he stared up at Cel.
“You’ve been with him?” I swallowed my jealousy, simply grateful he had that knowledge to use and was willing to share it with me.
“I have.” He didn’t hesitate to admit the truth, never having any secrets between us. “Early last year at the latest. Anyway, Wella’s wanted him for a while, or so I’ve heard, but she isn’t really his type. Too tall, too tan, too fake. He has a preference for fair skin and small, slight builds.”
“Like you.” I smiled up at him, holding a hand to his cheek.
“And you.” He grinned back at me, and moved us one more step, him forward and me backward. My head swivelled and I realized that we were already directly behind him.
Emerson ran a finger down my jawline as he whispered, “And you’ve got both those traits on display today, Kai.”
I nodded. If I could trust anyone, it was my Emerson.
“Try to be loose, casual. Just mirror my movements.” His hands held my hips, guiding them carefully.
I appreciated it. First, because I barely had any rhythm and also because all I knew was to seduce my four men, who all took just a glance and they were game. Outside of that? I was fucked, or rather, not.
He gave me a quick kiss that made me smile and ran a thumb over my lower lip. “And smile. That smile of yours does anyone in.”
He turned me in his arms, facing me away from him suddenly and using his hands to guide me to roll my hips on his. His foot slipped forward, knocking into Cel’s heel intentionally, and I had to restrain my giggle. That became a whole lot easier when Emerson swept my curtain of thick hair off one side of my neck and touched the back of his fingers to the bottom of my jaw.
Cel spun around, hazel eyes landing on me first and then flicking momentarily to Emerson who had started trailing his fingers down the side of my neck and into the line of cleavage down the center of my chest. He smiled into my neck, his lips brushing against my skin and making me shudder. I looked up at Cel to find his eyes tracking the way Emerson’s hand moved over me, watching the way it dragged over my bare skin.
When those heart-breaking eyes came back to mine they seemed a shade darker, pupils dilated. That look, I knew that look, and I could not help the smugness I felt as a slow smile took over my face. He grinned back, showing perfect teeth as I continued to roll my hips in t
une to the music. Wella met my eye over Cel’s shoulder, her face tightening into a glare. I gave her the barest of glances, dismissing her and instead focusing on the task at hand.
“Emerson,” he said in a deep, gruff voice, a barely-heard whisper with the sound of the music pulsating around us. “And Kaia, I believe? We haven’t been introduced properly.”
“Hello, Marcellus,” I whispered, watching those nostrils flare in response. He tilted his head thoughtfully, raising his eyebrows at Emerson.
“You’ve been talking about me?” he asked casting eyes to Emerson, amusement flickering in a small smile that played at his lips.
Emerson, once again, did the move I’d seen him use almost a year ago at a different party, trailing his fingers up Cel’s forearm tauntingly.
“There’s just so much to talk about.” He smirked at the bigger man.
I had to resist the overwhelming urge to snort, as I felt slightly ridiculous. Emerson was so natural and over-the-top with his flirting that I felt almost like an accessory. But remembering what Emerson had said about mirroring him, I walked my fingers up Cel’s other forearm slowly and looked up at him through the lashes Lottie had bathed in mascara. Those eyes, oh those eyes, came back to me, watching my fingers with interest before blinding me with a bright smile.
I had to blink. I loved my men and they were all attractive in their own way, but Cel was so classically pretty, just objectively good-looking, so I understood why Wella chased after him. Hell, if I didn’t have four men of my own, I would probably be flattered by his interest.
Honestly? I’d probably have been interested back.
But, seeing as I had my guys, I just felt a little sleazy - I’d need a shower pretty soon I was sure.
Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention, Pia and Wella stood hip to hip, glaring my way. I sent them a big, bright smile.
Killing them with kindness. Oh, Alec Gaius would be so proud of me.
Cel threw a casual glance over his shoulder. “Are you using me to get even, little one?”
“Hmm?” I scrunched my nose and bit my lip as Emerson chuckled seductively in my ear. “Are you objecting?” I not only felt bold, but I knew I was bold as my voice lowered, making sure my breath tickled his ear.
“Of course not. I’m not a fan of the two. For various reasons,” Cel said matter-of-factly. “Honestly speaking, while I’d love to get laid, ruining their night is a nice enough consolation prize.” His hand rested on my hip, and he leaned his upper body forward to get more in our space. “And I suspect the actuality of seeing anyone naked this evening is off the table, yes?”
“Mhmm.” Emerson licked my neck, making me shiver.
“Unfortunate, that. You’ll let me know if things change?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Emerson simply nodded, a hand tightening around my waist.
He smiled again, even as he stared down at us speculatively. “I suspect the three of us could have a great deal of fun. Or, well, doesn’t need to stop at three, yes?”
I flushed as he stared at me.
“In the meantime, if you need help with payback or any other thing, consider me your ally.”
“Thank you,” I sighed out, relieved Emerson had chosen so well, and we wouldn’t need to deal with rejecting someone outright.
His hand touched my cheek, warmth seeping through it. My hand reached up to give it a quick touch as I gave him what I hoped was my warmest smile.
“Miss Shaw,” Gale’s voice came from behind us and I fought back my grimace. “Might I have a word?”
I could feel eyes on us, including Cel’s as he looked at Gale thoughtfully. “Until next time then, Kaia. Emerson.”
“Goodbye Marcellus,” I whispered, and he ran his tongue over his bottom teeth.
“Little minx.” He chuckled with a shake of his head before stalking off towards the drink table. He completely ignored Wella’s continued attempts at flirting.
“Miss Shaw,” Gale repeated impatiently, and I suppressed the urge to sigh and simply turned around. I threw Gale an innocent look. He simply crossed his arms over his chest. “Outside, please. You too, Mr. Hawkins.”
“Yes, Docent Porter.” We made our way out of the party, passing Lottie who had two men wrapped around her finger as she danced. I found myself admiring her easy way of just being her - she drew men to her like flies.
We passed by Pia, who watched me walk out with a glare. I saw her eyes cutting towards Lottie to scowl even deeper. I simply ignored her. Emerson took my hand in his as we slipped out the door and out onto the hallway, the noise dropping down levels as we did so. We walked a few steps away before Gale turned to face us once we had a bit of privacy.
“What exactly is it you were doing?” he hissed.
“Tormenting Wella,” I admitted with a swallow. I didn’t think he would approve of my antics, given that he was in charge of making sure I graduated without Alec Gaius and Ronan to help train me as they had previously. I just cursed inwardly that he had even gone to the party when I’d been expecting that he wouldn’t be there being as he was a Docent.
“What do you think Ronan would do if he had witnessed that scene?” Gale did his signature action - pinching the bridge of his nose - and the familiar comfort that brought me made me want to do nothing more than to step forward and wrap them around me, but couldn’t do so safely where we were - in public where anyone could see us.
“He didn’t. He wasn’t there, and I didn’t expect you would be either.” I tried to be as honest as possible - that was how I wanted our relationship to be like. But, I had figured that lying by omission was not exactly a wrong thing to do.
“And that makes it better? You were doing that without my knowing and not only that, now I’m supposed to keep it a secret that you’re doing Zeevar knows what-”
“Gaylord, we weren’t doing anything. Cel only touched my cheek, nothing more. That was after we talked and danced together a little,” I whispered and felt Emerson squeeze my hand in support. “We never would have taken it anywhere, and he was perfectly aware that we were just basically using him to torment Wella Smith. It was a first and last, I promise you.”
Gale sighed. “See that it is, please. Both of you. I don’t want to have to keep secrets from them.”
“I keep my promises, Gaylord,” I repeated. “I just wanted to show those bitches who they were dealing with. The games that girls play is a cruel torment, and I only wanted to set the precedent that they can’t spend this year fucking with me like last year.”
Gale nodded. “I understand perfectly well. Those two don’t treat other females well. Miss Montgomery, for example. Although that one does hold her own.”
I smiled fondly at the mention of Lottie. “She does. She’s a menace. Thank you, darling.” I touched his arm very lightly as I gripped Emerson’s hand harder. He’d been silent the entire time, but his support had given me the strength I needed. “I wish you could come to bed with us tonight,” I whispered.
He sighed, biting down on the inside of his cheek to resist the urge to smile. “I do too, but I can’t. Have a good night. I’ll see you in class.”
“Alright.” I nodded.
“Good night, Gaylord!” Emerson enthused and he gave us an arched look before leaving the two of us in the hallway. I leaned against the wall and sent Emerson back in to check on Lottie briefly and let her know we were going to return to the room and sleep.
Emerson came back out to tell me that Lottie was staying to make sure Pia and Wella had no toys left to play with. I rolled my eyes at that even as we laughed our way to the room.
Menace to society.
✽✽✽
I rubbed my eyes - I didn’t get enough sleep, which was not a big surprise since they’d knocked on our doors at three o’clock in the morning. Emerson, the deep sleeper, remained blissfully dead to the world and buried under the mound of blankets and pillows on my bed. He’d remained sleeping even as I’d had the dubious pleasure of getting
a very noticeably rumpled Lottie up from bed.
We’d dressed in silence, by the light of a solitary lamp since I recognized the signs of sleep-deprived, caffeine-starved and hungover Lottie. It became very obvious almost immediately that our jaunt to the kitchens before the party had not really helped very much as she’d growled at me when I’d woken her up so I was not about to interact with her. At the soft knock on our door, we stepped out into the dimly-lit hallways where the rest of the students in our year, rumpled and hungover like Lottie, were gathered.
We were told to follow the Docents, which we did, and I spied Gale walking up ahead. I had to stop myself from running up to him immediately, but it was hard adjusting to life back at InkHaven, bound by rules and propriety. I restrained myself from just staring at him, but still I found my gaze landing on him over and over.
But Gaylord was nothing if not stubborn. I was sure he could feel my eyes on him although it took a good long while before he stopped and let me catch up to him.
“Good morning, Docent Porter,” I spoke softly, formally, even as I yearned to wrap my fingers around his. Seeing how his fingers flexed, I had a feeling he thought the same. Of all my men, Gale loved holding hands the most and it hurt how his hand was the one I could not freely hold.
My jaw cracked as I yawned. “Where are we going and so early?”
He looked down at me and his eyes, so somber and serious, sent a shiver down the spine and not from any spark of desire - he was so sad and that struck me deep. “You’ve been here before.”
We walked down familiar hallways and under a tall, specific archway. I blew out a breath. “Air Spire.”
“Yes. For most students in the Air track, the Air Spire is completely off-limits as it’s only for certified Air Mages.” We started climbing the familiar dreaded steps that haunted my memories.
“But I took my exam….” I trailed off when he held a finger to his lips.
“You did. The Headmaster hoped to intimidate you.”
I nodded and chuckled. “Mission successful. I was hyperventilating.”
“While I am sorry for it, you were magnificent. He didn’t get what he wanted from you. This time, though, we go further in and up.” He steered me to the left where the rest of my class had already gone, pointing to a flight of stairs that led further up.