Page 7 of Hell House
“Not today, Katie.” She lets out a scoff placing her hands on her wet hips.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, Pierce.” Her voice grates against my eardrums.
I walk out of the shower, grabbing a towel with Katie quick on my heels.
“I’ve got class.”
“That’s never stopped you before.” She says trying to slide up to me, her fingers dancing along my biceps.
I snatch her hand, gripping it a touch harder than I should.
“I said no, Katie, and if you ever fucking touch me again without my permission, I’ll break each pretty little finger that you touch me with.”
She reels back clutching her hand, tears spilling over her lashes and scrambles away, grabbing her clothes on her way out.
I run my fingers through my damp hair. What the fuck was going on with me? I rubbed absently at my chest a low rumble answers, pumping me full of righteous indignation. Who did she think she was trying to pull that on me?
I get dressed, making sure my tie is in the perfect position, my hair styled within an inch of it’s life. I feel a deep appreciation as I look in the mirror, happy with the reflection staring back at me. I’m not blind, I know I’m good looking and I know how to work that to my advantage. I give the mirror a little wink and my chest heaves with Pride. I have plans for a certain little witch today, and I wouldn’t be distracted by a little side piece.
CHAPTER NINE
Salem
Imake a bubble with my gum as I doodle on my notepad. The temperature in the room is downright glacial, barely better than outside. My skin pimples with goosebumps at the chill. I’m surprised my breath doesn’t show. I grasp my hot chocolate cup willing the warmth from the cup to worm its way into my fingers- to no avail. My hot chocolate is now tepid chocolate. I chug the room temperature chocolatey remains and get up to toss the container into the trash. As I pass in front of the door, Pierce, bane of my existence, Ledger almost collides with me. His stupidly handsome face breaks out in a predatory grin as he grabs my wrist. I pull back on instinct, but that only brings him closer. His hand is surprisingly warm as it sits wrapped around me, his skin sending a bolt of lightning down my spine. I shove down the unwelcome feeling. Not a chance in hell is my body going to betray me for a cute as fuck smirk. Not today, Satan’s Spawn.
I glare at him and make another bubble with my gum that pops right in his face. His eyes flare, along with his nostrils and he clenches his jaw glaring down at my mouth like he’s not sure if it offends him or he wants to kiss me. That thought sends a jolt of confusion through me and I frown, wrenching my wrist from him. I definitely didn’t want Pierce’s filthy mouth on mine. Definitely not. Nope. Nope. Nope.
I wipe my hand down my skirt and take a step back.
“Witch.” Pierce says with a smirk.
“Bottom feeder.”
“Only if you ask nicely.”
I scoff, of course he would make that into a sexual innuendo.
A cough comes from behind me, and I note the Professor is staring at us, along with the rest of class. I frown, tossing the cup I was holding into the bin like I intended, and try to pretend I don’t feel the flame of embarrassment climbing over my cheeks. Pierce, however, looks as arrogant as ever, striding to his seat behind mine. I glower at him, to which he just winks. Insufferable.
I sink down in my chair, crossing my fishnet stocking legs beneath the small desk. Technically, I’m not supposed to be wearing these tights, but no one’s said anything yet. The Professor glares at me and then up to Pierce before starting his lecture. I ignore Javelynn’s concerned stare tuning out everything around me, completely focused on the glowing PowerPoint on the board. I especially tune out my hyper awareness of Pierce’s legs directly behind me. His body warmth pummeling into my back.
I feel a flare of that heat seep into my body, almost as if I’m somehow leeching it from him. I frown feeling an electric tingle at his audible gasp. All thoughts of the lecture empty from my head as my focus turns to follow the odd sensation that’s taking over my body.
I fight the urge to turn around and look at him.
What is this?
Heat courses throughout me, when just moments before I was freezing. My limbs shake with the sudden urge to release this pent-up heat that’s taken over my body. Panic grips me as I look around the room to see if anyone else is experiencing the same surge of heat. Then as soon as it came on, the feeling drops, and Pierce lets out a groan loud enough that the Professor gives him another disapproving glare. The cold comes roaring back and I shiver. Javelynn looks over at me with a frown and I just shake my head, pursing my lips, not sure what just happened. They shake their head in response and return to typing notes into their laptop.
I was too young for hot flashes, wasn’t I? Maybe the heat had tried to kick on above me? I mean it was an old building. Maybe I was getting sick with something?
Thankfully the rest of class passes quickly, no more weird surges of heat.
I completely forget about the incident while I'm sitting in my English class listening to the Professor drone on about Pride and Prejudice. I’d only read that book like a thousand times, so she wasn’t really telling me anything new. I sit next to my new roommate as she diligently takes notes. Skye oozes good girl vibes. I was itching to take a crack at her, make her loosen up a bit.
Professor Cranston passes out the syllabus, her wild brown curls of hair bouncing over her cream-colored sweater with each step. She was a tiny woman, who’s hair was two times the size of her head. I wondered if her neck hurt with that much weight.
I glance over the syllabus, noting that we have several chapters assigned in Pride and Prejudice as well as essay questions due by the next class. I type out a reminder on my phone, which the Professor mistakes for texting in her class. I have to show her what I wrote just to get her off my back, but I don’t miss the untrusting sneer she gives me. I let out a breath of frustration. Yeah, we’re off to a great start.
