Page 41 of Loving the Tormentor

"So which one are you replacing me with, huh? Who's your rich Prince Charming?"

"Which one?" I repeat, completely confused.

His eyes dart to the mirror, and I do the same on my side. Achilles is standing next to Josh in his hoodie and jeans, talking to him with his eyes on the car.

What the hell?

Josh takes out his phone and shows it to Achilles.

"I don't…I don't know what's happening," I admit.

A smack on the dashboard makes me jump in my seat. "What the fuck are you looking at? Missing your boyfriends already?"

"Please, calm down. I was just trying to make friends."

He starts the car, ignoring my words, and decides to give me the silent treatment.

The only noise I hear is a vibration in my bag, and I take out my phone to see a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Tell me. Does that boyfriend of yours scare you?

Chapter Ten

Nyx

Obsessed – Jutes

Unknown: Tell me. Does that boyfriend of yours scare you?

What a fucking asshole.

Then stop looking at the message, Nyx.

Except, I can’t. I look at it, I obsess over it, I put my phone away, and I obsess over it some more. That’s all I’ve been able to focus on for the last few days. One. Single. Message.

I lock my phone as I walk into class and sit down. This is our first ear training class, and I sit all the way at the front to make sure that I can hear the best, and also so that I can't see anyone else's face. I don't need their judging eyes.

I haven't heard from Achilles since his text on Monday. He hasn’t been in the music building, and I haven't bumped into him in the castle, where most students hang out outside of their classes. It took me all of Tuesday to calm my nervous system that kept feeling like he was right there behind me, about topounce. I kept reminding myself that he doesn't study music. That he probably spends most of his time at the med school or his place. Both aren't anywhere near the music building, and most buildings on this campus are separated by the thick woods. Achilles had his fun tormenting me before his classes started, but he certainly has better things to do now.

The second someone sits to my right, I know it's Josh. He's been following me around since orchestra placement on Monday. Since he gave my number to Achilles. And I still haven't said a word to him.

"Nyx." His pleading voice earns him no sympathy from me. "I know you're mad, but I promise you, I truly want to be your friend."

I pick up my pencil, open my notepad, and start writing down the date just to have something to do.

"Literally anyone else would’ve done it. When Achilles fucking Duval asks you something, who’s going to say no? You probably would’ve done it too."

I snap my head up, narrowing my eyes as I feel anger bubbling in my chest.

"I wouldn't have."

"Oh, come on. Every single human being in the school of music would ask how high if he asked them to jump. Every woman eye-fucks him, hoping he'll fuck them. And you're telling me you wouldn't get someone's number for him?"

I slam my pencil back onto the table. "I hadrefusedto give him my number for a reason, Josh."

Because he's a fucking psychopath, I don't add.

"When did he ask you?" I inquire, my eyes stuck on his lips. This is where I'll find the truth. "Before he walked me to sit next to you in the audience, or after I played? When?"