“Okay, first of all, you have to put Angelica and Grayson together no matter what she says. Secondly, you said anything less than a captain, so that should automatically rule out Brazen and Hale. I’ll go with the last option… a complete fucking stranger.”
He laughs ridiculously hard, and then he nods.
“The order for roommates is actually drawn at random, but I can pull some strings to put Grayson and Angelica together.”
I roll my eyes, and then Wendy rounds the corner.
“Ms. Crush. I’m glad to see you back. Will you and Captain Mordel be staying together?” she asks so innocently.
Clay covers his mouth to hide his insuppressible grin, and I huff out, “No. I’ll just take a stranger for a roommate,” I grumble.
Her cheeks flush for yet another misstep, and I squirm uncomfortably for the awkwardness my continuous shifting keeps causing.
“Um…” she stammers while staring at her chart. “Room four thirty is available. Is that okay?”
“That’s perfect, Wendy,” I mutter.
That’s two floors down from the Captain accommodations. Thank goodness.
“Great. I’ll note it, and I’ll send your roomy up when they arrive. I still have to do the drawings,” she chirps, and then her human legs scurry off.
“Well, I’ll walk you to your room. I still want the buddy system in place.”
“Who will walk you back to yours once I’m dropped off?” I tease.
“No one has been after me, Araya,” he says a little to seriously as genuine fear etches his tone.
“So this buddy system is really an Araya system?” I grumble.
“To be honest, yes. Whatever they want from you, I don’t want them getting it. Since Leon’s attack, I’ve been a nervous wreck. Knowing you were out there all alone for two weeks has aged me immensely, and I’m supposed to be a non-ager.”
I smile endearingly as we turn another corner in the vast labyrinth known as Seminole, and my room comes into view.
“We brought your stuff with us when we left Hershian yesterday. Hale and Brazen have been out looking for you during your fourteen day hiatus. I’ll have it sent up after while.”
“Thanks,” I sigh out as I walk to the door, and he pulls me to him to hug me again.
I pat his back while resting my head on his chest, and he smiles as he pulls back.
“I’ll be two floors above you if there’s no one else to escort you. I’ll have several men rotating though to keep you from trying to walk alone. They’ll stand guard to ensure your safety.”
“Really?” I snort.
“Really, and this room isn’t padded. That’s one of the reasons you’re on this floor. I already told Wendy when I got here she couldn’t put you in a soundproofed room. If you’re in trouble, I want someone to be able to hear you.”
At least I’m not fucking anyone right now.
“Fine. I’m not complaining about being on this floor. My last apartment here wasn’t soundproofed either, but it had one Hale of a location if you know what I mean,” I grumble.
He smirks slightly, and then shrugs.
“Hale ended up knocking out that whole wall and extending his apartment. He has offered to host guests - meaning you - if you change your mind and don’t like your stranger roommate. Just throwing it out there,” Clay murmurs very suspiciously.
“I’ll be fine with a stranger, Clay. I’d rather not deal with any drama while I’m here, so put away your arrow, Cupid.”
He laughs lightly, and then he starts walking down the hall to head up the stairs. I flop down, and then I stare around the semi-large apartment. There’s only one bedroom and a pullout couch in the living area. I suppose I could be nice and offer someone else the bed.
I flip on the television, and then my stomach growls. I grumble while pulling on a pair of shorts from my duffle bag I happened to have on hand. I’m hungry and I need a dress for this stupid party. All I want to do is crash for three or four days straight.
