Page 5 of Almost Rotten

“We’re good now,” I placate, trying to extricate myself.

He doesn’t respond.

We take a right.

I look back over my shoulder. “Tytus. It’s okay. The dean’s not following us.”

What is his deal?

The danger has passed. There’s no need for this kind of escape.

Ty only tightens his grip on me, forcing my knuckles to grind together.

He’s holding me too tightly.

He’s holding me, and he’s not letting go.

His posture is stiff, his stride rigid. His silence is a blatant sign that he’s slipping. His energy is dark and seething.

Shit.

Forget slipping. He’s already slipped, and he’s trying to mask that he’s gone to the dark place.

“Hey.” I keep my tone soft as I jog two steps so we’re side by side.

Rather than acknowledge me, he widens his gait, forcing me to take even faster steps.

“Tytus,” I try again, pulling on his arm.

Again, no response, as if he doesn’t feel it. As if he’s not fully present.

“Ty, letgo,” I demand.

In response, he takes a sharp turn, ducks into an alcove of vending machines, and pulls me in behind him.

In a swift, graceful movement, he swaps our positions. He pushes me into a corner and moves in close, his face inches from mine.

“You want me to let go, petit diable?” he seethes.

Petit diable.

Little devil.

He’s never called me that before.

His eyes bore into mine, his brows knitted and his chest heaving.

“No. Fucking. Chance.”

He cracks his neck, tipping his head one way, then the other. “Let go,” he repeats, his voice dripping with disdain.

Eyes narrowed, he looks over his shoulder. Then he whips his head back and takes a step closer, his chest pressing into my front.

“What happened this weekend?” he grits out. “What I had to see? You just ensured I’mneverletting you go again. Do you really think what happened up there in that office was just for show?” His eyes are so dark the irises practically blend in with his pupils. “You think all that talk about marriage and us being together was just for the dean?”

Black dots swim in my vision. Only now do I realize I’ve been holding my breath. I exhale loudly, the tightness in my chest loosening.

“I won’t let you go,” he declares. “I’m not letting you out of my fucking sight. We’re going to walk through the doors of that classroom just like this.” He holds up our joined hands.