Page 118 of Rage
And for the first time since Roman found me... I stop checking over my shoulder.
The rest of the week passes quietly, or as quietly as life at Kenyan ever allows. The school’s social media page never disappoints. Surprisingly, none are about Saint being absent.
Saint doesn’t disappear again. He doesn’t text me and doesn’t ask where I’m going.
He simply...appears.
Inside class. Outside the classes we don’t share together.
He walks across the quad when I take a seat. He waits, but never close enough to make it obvious.
I stop being surprised because it has become a routine. Which probably says something deeply concerning about my mental state.
Friday afternoon arrives with rare sunshine. Students spill across the quad between classes. Music echoes from somewhere in the distance by the parking lot. I spot Saint across the lawn talking with Azriel.
Even from here...People naturally leave space around them like predators surrounded by an invisible circle no one dares to cross.
As I get closer, Saint glances toward me for a split second and then continues talking.
I smile to myself.
“Amy?” I turn.
Elliot.
He smiles the same easy smile he wore the night of the party. “No bodyguard today?” he asks, walking toward me.
I laugh. “I don’t have a bodyguard.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Could’ve fooled me.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’ve never seen anyone watch another person the way he watches you.”
My smile fades. “He’s just...”
I don’t even know how to finish that sentence. What am I going to say? We’re just friends.
He shoves one hand into the pocket of his jacket. “So...”
“I was wondering if maybe you’d want to grab coffee sometime.”
“I’d…” But I pause. Elliot’s eyes suddenly shift past me. His expression changes to resignation.
Saint stops beside me, almost close enough that our shoulders almost touch, but his gaze remains on Elliot.
“You’re interrupting.”
Elliot laughs nervously. “I didn’t realize she was busy.”
Saint looks at me instead. “Were you leaving?”
“I was heading back to my dorm.”
Saint looks back at Elliot. “You have your answer.”
Elliot studies him for several long seconds like he is contemplating his next answer. “I wasn’t asking you.”
