Page 59 of The Commons

“So, from a professional standpoint, not personal?”

“From a potential friend standpoint.”

“Friend.”

“Right… friend,” My voice diminishes. Why did I say that? I’m stupid.

But he’s not flustered, like he doesn’t believe me. He stares at me with a light smile in his eyes and touches a strand of my hair, putting it behind my ear. Why the heck does he keep on drawing closer when I clearly just said I saw him as a friend?

“Not feeling the curls today?” he asks.

I shrug my shoulders and look down, unsure of how to answer that question without revealing to him the truth of why I did it. He peeks at me, eyes darkening, suspicious.

“Wait. Did a Patron make you… do that? Patron Suzandrick?” He draws back slightly.

“Patron Suzandrick, what does she have to do with this?” I ask, puzzled.

“I overheard something about her not liking you because some boy she wanted liked you.”

“Oh!” My eyes glide up, trying to read him. “Did that bother you⁠—”

“Are you dating a student?”

“You didn’t answer my question, Pesh.”

“Yes, it bothered me, Shantavia. Are you seeing anyone?”

“No… why?”

“Don’t. You have no reason to. You should focus on your studies.”

I stare, entranced. I am so focused on my studies. The study in question… I look down, hiding the smile in my soul. “Is that a Patron order, or a suggestion?”

“Take it as you will. But I’m sure you’re smart enough to avert the consequences.”

“Consequences? Is that a threat, Patron Pesh? I mean… Pesh.” I fold my lips, intentionally teasing.

“You should watch your mouth. You don’t want me directing that as well.”

My mouth is wide open in my mind, but I keep them shut to avert him seeing my sentiments. Shantavia, return the conversation back into focus! “Um… I… um… was asking if your directive for me to remain unattached came with a threat?” I cough it out, eyes on my feet.

“Not to you. Never to you.” Like a vapor, his voice hits my skin, my lips, my tongue.

“To who, then?” My eyes rise.

“I don’t know, perhaps to anyone who touches you, comes near you, breathes around you.” He flicks away a leaf. “That sort of thing.”

“Oh, so just the entire Commonda, nothing to worry about then.”

“Absolutely nothing. My dear Tavia.”

I freeze. My dear Tavia? Just as I find myself lost for words, he draws away, leaving me breathless. “I⁠—”

“I’m not gonna ask you again, who made you do this?”

“Um…” I can barely say the words.

“I took care of Suzandrick. She knows to leave you alone. So I know it’s not her. And her sidekick, let’s just say, he might have hit a brick.”