Page 42 of Class Studies
“Why didn’t you tell us Nitis sold the modifier when Saffron accused you of it?” I asked.
He shrugged. “It wouldn’t have made a difference. I don’t want students to hurt each other, that’s my schtick, but Nitis doesn’t work like that.” He let out a harsh breath. “I run a black-market, Dot. Regardless of who does what, Nitis and I respect each other’s boundaries. Or we did.” His sapphire blue rims bore into me. “I don’t want you near the shit I’m involved in. Especially the storm brewing between Nitis and me, got it?”
Guilt curled in my stomach, thinking of my lies—my blood contract. But I nodded anyway. I had my scales now. Once Nitis had his, our agreement would be over, and Beryl would never know.
My sapphire-eyed mage kissed me again. “Our space will get searched by the MA and the administration, probably regularly, but I want to be with you. Damn this place to hell for letting me think you’re better off without me.”
I wrapped my arm around Beryl and hugged him hard. I didn’t have words to express the joy running through my heart. We broke apart before I rushed back in, kissing him hard, ready for round two. The sound of the coffee maker steaming milk drifted up from the bottom floor.
Beryl nipped my bottom lip. “I gotta take a piss first anyway.”
I rolled my eyes. “Super sexy. You and Ashe match there.”
Beryl grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. I found a towel and cleaned myself up before pulling on a pair of panties and throwing Beryl’s hoodie over my head.
When I picked up my phone, a text waited for me from Officer Keres. I narrowed my eyes. I didn’t know he even had my number.
Officer Keres: I’ve been informed you had a breakthrough idea. If you need something from The Nest, let me know. Otherwise, I’ve ensured Alchemist Blickenstaff will make all supplies at her disposal available to you.
I reread the message and shook my head. Abe must have found some way to tell him and not involve herself. What a devious snake. I could learn a lot from her.
The smell of coffee drew me down my spiral stairs.
“Fuck, Kitten,” Ashe said when I reached the bottom floor. “That view as you come down. You need to be careful who’s here when you have no pants on.”
Heat filled my cheeks; he could probably see straight up Beryl’s oversized hoodie. I rushed the rest of the way down the stairs and stood awkwardly at the bottom, looking at my Gentle Giant.
Ashe must have heard Beryl and me this morning, though he waited to start his coffee until we finished. It was overly polite and very Ashe.
I rushed forward and pressed myself to his side. Standing on my tippy toes, I managed to kiss what was hopefully his chin. It was hard to tell under the beard.
Ashe blushed and mumbled something, abandoning me the moment the coffee maker beeped. He handed me a cup before making his own. I’d only taken a few sips when Beryl emerged from the washroom—one of Ashe’s pairs of MA issued pants slung low on his hips.
Ashe grumbled. “You better be fucking wearing your whitey tighties.”
Beryl grinned before pointedly looking at the couch. “Still in the doghouse?”
Ashe blushed. “Well, no. Um, you were in my spot last night?”
I’d never heard Ashe phrase a statement like a question before. I loved how awkward all of this was making the usually confident Gentle Giant.
Beryl chucked. “It’s big enough for three, bro.” He smacked Ashe on the ass. “Don’t be a stranger. It’s our bed now.”
Ashe jumped forward and shook his head, rubbing his butt.
A knock sounded on my door, and Beryl hustled to it, tearing it open.
“Thanks, man,” he said, though his expression wasn’t remotely friendly.
Nitis pushed an armful of clothing into his hands. Beryl’s Native American friend had his pink tie braided into his long hair and several top buttons undone on his uniform, exposing a flat, hairless chest.
Nitis narrowed his eyes. “Use her dresser next time. I don’t have time for this.”
His gaze flicked to me, and my heart beat faster. Shameless, Beryl stripped out of Ashe’s pants, definitely not wearing undergarments, and pulled on his uniform.
While Beryl yanked his shirt over his head, Nitis tilted toward the hinged side of my door and slightly nodded once. A rumpled but dressed Beryl swept me into his arms.
“Hang my other uniform up for me?” He asked.