Page 56 of Pink Ink

First, he was dictating what I can and can’t do. Now, he’s trying to have a say about who I can and can’t see. I think the fuck not. We’ve been getting along, to a degree. There’s no reason for me to rock the boat. But in my defense, he started it.

Spencer glares at him for a split second before a light bulb goes off in his head. A grin spreads across his lips. I’m too annoyed at Shaw to decide whether I like the look of it or not.

“Since it sounds like you’re available,” Spencer starts, shifting unnecessarily close while sending Maddox a dirty side-eye. “How about tomorrow night? Five o’clock. I’ll pick you up.”

It takes me a beat to recognize what he’s doing, andboy, does it make me happy. Someone is pissed off at the good professor too. I give Spencer a smile so sweet it makes me sick. I’m not the flirting kind, but I’ll be one if it upsets Maddox. God knows what has his panties in a twist.

He frowns like he’d rather do laps in the River Styx than let that happen. “We have a meeting scheduled for then, Miss Sinaga.”

The line of Maddox’s shoulder is pulled tight enough to snap. Yet he remains expressionless. If he looked like he had aged ten years when I first saw him today, then he’s a new man now. Malice has given the Lord of Darkness back his youthful glow.

“This is the first I’m hearing of it. We’ll have to reschedule.”

Good. I sound nonchalant.Notlike I’m developing an embarrassing middle-school crush.

I cross my arms, feeling Spencer’s attention flick between us. I’m sure if there were popcorn available, he’d be clapping and enjoying the mini showdown.

“After I’ve shifted my schedule for it? That’s inconsiderate of you.” The vein in Maddox’s forehead pulses.

“I’m sure you must have forgotten to send me the meeting invitation. It’s a simple mistake. Unfortunately, it appears that I am now booked during that time.”

He diverts his murderous attention to Spencer. “You don’t even know her name.”

“It’s Reyna.” I offer my hand to Spencer.

“That’s a pretty name,” he all but purrs.

Gross.

“Thanks. I was born with it.” I can’t help but deadpan.

Spencer places his hand on my back, and Maddox is a foot away from the man before I can blink.

“I suggest that you remove your hand from my student,” Maddox states, voice deceptively calm.

The swarm of unholy things swoops low in my stomach and weakens my knees. There’s that feeling of being cared for again, andhellif that crazed look in his eyes doesn’t do sinful things to me. The way he says it is almost like he’s… jealous.

My core tightens at the prospect.

No. Bad, Reyna.

My skin is on fire with the ridiculous blush I seem to always sport around him. There is no conceivable universe where Maddox Fucking Shaw is jealous ofanyone, let alone some random frat bro for hitting on me.Meof all people. No way. Not possible. I’m imagining things.

Spencer responds with a smirk and holds his hands up in surrender. “Of course.”

He turns to walk away, sending Maddox a backward glance, and there, written in white on his football jersey, is the nameSHAW.

Wait.

They’re brothers?

Maddox glares at me. “Five o’clock tomorrow. My office. Don’t be late.”

Then he stomps after his brother, leaving me reeling from whiplash.

What the fuck just happened?

REYNA