Page 46 of Class Studies
Saffron took my hand. “I didn’t tell you to make you feel guilty.” He brushed his lips across my fingers. “I was living a double life. So is Mercedes, even if she’s not ready to admit it.” He glanced over at his ex-girlfriend, still glaring daggers at us. “I’m admitting I made a mistake and taking the consequences. But I won’t let this change my future. My parents, this Institute, you—no one will take the life I want away from me.”
He let go of my hand and put two fingers under my chin. “I promised I would make it up to you, but I have to take control of my future to do that.” He released me and slightly shook his head from side to side. “Fantasies don’t come true on their own. You have to make them. You said we could question together, and I want that. I know we aren’t there yet, but if I can show my parents, you’re a powerhouse….” He trailed off, lowering his voice. “You’ve already miscarried.” His eyes bore into me. “It was mine. I know it, even if we can’t be sure.”
I shifted uncomfortably, keeping at bay the confused feelings having kids still filled me with.
“I will lean on your strengths,” he said, putting both elbows on the table. “I will show them you and everything that comes with you is the better choice.”
My heart fluttered. I pulled away from him, looking at my gorgeous and powerful ex-roommate. “But I’m not.”
Saffron reached out and cupped both my cheeks, ripping my gaze from Mercedes. “You are.”
The two words cut through my disbelief. I tugged on my braid, smiling stupidly.
“Even if we don’t end up together, right now, I need to look like I know what I’m doing in my parents’ eyes. I know I don’t deserve your help, but for now, be at my side?”
My fluttering heart swarmed down to my stomach. The guilt eating away at me eased. I gazed into Saffron’s eyes, amazed. I thought I brought him down, but he used everything I cursed him with and twisted it into what he wanted.
The Greek God leaned forward and gently kissed my lips; in the middle of the cafeteria, with everyone, including his ex, watching. I wanted to throw my arms around him, but I held back, reminding myself this was still an act. Saffron needed my to help him recover, and I would be that person.
Saffron drew back, trailing his fingers across my cheek. “Will you help me?”
I didn’t trust myself to speak. With my braid gripped in my fingers, I nodded. Two dimples I never saw before sprouted with the Greek God’s smile.
Chapter 9
Saffron ditched his first class of the day to join me in Illusions and Puzzles. If Magnus Terra noticed, he didn’t comment. The next class we had together, Runes. Although he still went to his assigned workstation to finish his project, the minute Abe passed their design, he moved to my table.
My new arrangement with Abe earned me her lack of scrutiny during class. At least for now. I’d already completed my project, and Abe assigned me to deconstructing a complex set of runes. I lived in the simple joy of taking apart the layers of patterns. Saffron’s occasional question about my work brightened my afternoon.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I peeked at it.
Ashe: You’re all set. I’ll meet you in Metaphysics.
The double fog horn blared twice, ending class. Saffron helped me gather my supplies into my bookbag before we walked hand and hand out of the building. I kept reminding myself this was a show. His rough palm felt too good covering my fingers.
Clouds covered the sky, leaving a bitter chill in the air. I adjusted my bookbag strap, wishing it was a jacket.
Saffron cleared his throat. “Both my parents are here.” He slowed our pace. “I need you to understand the situation I’m putting you in tonight.”
“I’m meeting your parents?” I asked again, still struggling with the concept.
Saffron squeezed my hand. “You are.”
I tripped, and Saffron pulled me close to keep me steady.
“My mom doesn’t blame me for my brother’s death,” Saffron continued. “But she’s desperate for a grandchild. She’s a descendant of the Flamel line, though she took my dad’s last name.”
Saffron paused to look at me, and I shook my head.
He sighed. “The Flamel’s were renowned alchemists, almost discovered by humans in the fifteenth century. My ancestor Nicolas Flamel was not careful, and his indiscretion brought us a lot of attention. Then, right before the fallout, some fantasy author dredged up the Flamel name for their novel about a made-up wizarding world.”
He groaned. “Needless to say, even if we weren’t powerful, our family comes under a lot of scrutiny in the public eye. My grandma didn’t have many kids either, so, yeah, my mom has babies on the mind.” A smile softened his sculpted face. “She’s brilliant, an amazing Alchemist. You two would get along, but the pressure she’s gotten and gets is placed on me. I think she’s part of what’s pushing Mercy.” He held out a hand. “I’m not excusing either of them, but Mercy’s family pops out babies, and well, that’s what mom wants.”
I swallowed. “Saff, is that what you want?”
Saffron nodded. “It is.”
I squirmed uncomfortably, and Saffron stopped us.