“Yes, she’s a wild beast that you can only tame,” Carl teases. “Would you like lunch?”
“I’d love it.”
“Sit in the garden with the little Mistress and I’ll have it brought out.”
“Great, thank you,” I say, smiling as I pat my thigh to summon Mistress who is running around in circles.
I eat my wonderful chicken salad and drink my tea while Mistress lies at my feet. Once I’m done, I get another text from Miles.
Did you enjoy your meal?
Yes. Carl knows how to treat a lady.
Carl does what I tell him.
Whatever. I have to go home and do some homework.
See you tomorrow.
I can’t do it tomorrow. I have class until six and then I have a study session, so I’ll be busy.
Fine. See you Thursday for the custody exchange.
With pleasure.
****
Wednesday morning isn’t as difficult as Monday, but I’m still struggling with my professor’s accent. At the end of class, I inform the TA that I’ll be coming tonight to the skull session because I need it.
“That’s good. We should have a handful of students tonight.”
“Thanks.” I leave and walk around to get my coffee, but the line is too long so I forgo the extra jolt I need. “Good morning, bestie,” Angie says, walking up to me with her coffee in hand.
“Morning. What do you have to drink?” I question.
“My usual latte. Wanna sip?” she asks, holding it out for me.
“Sure,” I take it from her with my non-dominant hand, and then I slug her in the tit.
“Ow. What the fuck was that for?” she hisses, pressing her hand to her chest, rubbing the spot like I got her good.
“You told Johnny Santos I was available, and he is slimy.”
“Well, it’s not like it’s a lie. Jeez, you’re a dick. Give me back my coffee. You don’t deserve my caffeine goodness.” She snatches it back and huffs.
“It’s cool because I already had my coffee.” I stick out my tongue. I did, but I could use another three cups.
“Yeah, and you could have three more before the day’s out,” she adds. Damn, she knows me too well.
I laugh and nod. “You got me there.”
“Besides, why is it so bad? You can get gorgeous, wealthy men after you besides Miles, who is clearly a god that wants to make you his goddess.” She rolls her eyes dramatically.
She’s been saying that all summer, but I tell her she’s nuts every time. “You’re crazy. He’s just my controlling godbrother who helps monitor me like the rest.” Up until recently I hadn’t seen Miles, so there is no doubt he doesn’t want me. It’s only because of my father’s surgery that he’s taken a more active role in my protection. “Whatever.”
“I have to get back to my next class. I don’t want them to find out I ditched a class.”
“You’re nineteen, and you still have your parents hounding you?” She doesn’t know what it’s like to be in my position because her parents aren’t insanely wealthy or powerful. It comes with more threats than normal, which my parents know from firsthand experience. Their worries are legitimate, so they’re extremely protective. If they even thought for a second that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be, they’d think I was abducted.
