Chapter 16
SIXTEEN
FRANKIE
Knowing that Cassie is on the other side of the wall is interesting. I never expected to bring her here so early, but now she is, I kind of like knowing she’s in the other room where I can keep my eye on her.
It’s only a matter of time anyway because she will lose the challenge. It’s already been decided because I wasn’t exactly honest with her back in the dungeon. I had nothing to lose in taking her there and she will be more amenable toward me because of it.
As I allow the steam to cleanse the ice from my veins, I picture our future. Our immediate future because having a live-in girl for the semester is something I’m intrigued with. It will be a first for me and I’m guessing for her and I’m impatient to begin a new adventure. Cassie has already proven to be my match. Her swimming was impressive and I doubt there is any other girl on campus who would have followed me into that dungeon today. I knew she would and I suppose my offer was a test of that.
She passed it and the next with stars and yet the ultimate one will be in a few days’ time, leaving me time to plan, time to plot and time to prepare.
I pull on a fresh pair of sweatpants and, leaving my chest bare, I head back into the living area, loving how she is curled up on the couch in my robe.
“Your turn.” I angle my head toward the bathroom and her eyes widen.
“Seriously?”
“Go on. You can lock the door.” I tease and add, “I left a t-shirt and a pair of my boxer shorts. Don’t worry, they are fresh from the packet. Mom insisted on preparing for my lack of laundry skills.”
“Don’t you have a girl for that?” She arches her brow, causing me to shrug.
“Several, but the last thing I want is them stealing my underwear and parading it around campus like a trophy. No, that is a step too far and I’ve already lost more clothing than I can remember because of their desire to have something of me.”
“You’re an arrogant jerk, Frankie, but I will take you up on the offer of a hot shower before I get hypothermia.”
“I’ll fix the coffee. Take your time, you earned it.”
She scoots off the couch and heads through the door, and I make my way to the machine in the small kitchen on the other side of the media wall. Though I seldom use it, I sometimes enjoy eating alone, and it helps keep my fridge stocked when I’m watching TV.
I often stay up here when the guys entertain. It’s my personal sanctuary. If I fuck a girl it happens in one of the guest rooms. That’s where we hold our parties due to the huge basement area that is equipped with a bar, pool, and screen. It’s the perfect party room with the bonus of being at the opposite end of the house to my personal sanctuary.
When Cassie lives here with me, this will be our private space for as long as I want her around. I’m guessing I’ll soon get bored playing the faithful lover, but I’m intrigued to test my resilience.
It’s always a test with me and I doubt that will ever change and right now I’m feeling very good about life at Rockwell, for this semester anyway.
* * *
When she finishes, I love how she smells of me. My soap has done a good job of that and as I hand her the coffee, I add, “Cinnamon latte. Your favorite.”
“No way!” Her smile brightens and as she sips the drink, her eyes light up and soften with pleasure.
“You make good coffee, Frankie. I’ll give you that.”
“I have the right equipment to bring you the ultimate pleasure.” I wink. “What can I say, I’m a man of many talents.”
“You’re such a comedian, but seriously, this coffee is good.”
She glances around at the compact kitchen and shakes her head in surprise. “I can’t believe you live like this—on campus. Does Principal Constable know?”
“Of course. My mom ran everything by her and I’d be worried if she didn’t notice the interior designers and the endless deliveries. Not to mention the builders and electricians that were also working hard during the holidays.”
“It pays to have connections—obviously.”
She glances around and sighs, sipping her coffee as she leans against the counter.
“You know, I could happily live in a place like this. You’re lucky.”
“I am.”
I wrap my hands around my own mug and regard her through a hooded expression. If I get my way, Cassie will become a permanent feature here and all for my pleasure.
It’s great being me sometimes.
She sets the mug down and glances at her phone. “I should be going. Siri will wonder where I am and we agreed to grab pizza and study.”
“I’d offer to walk you to your dorm, but that would send the wrong message.”
She shrugs. “I’m a big girl. I can walk myself home. Anyway, I’d prefer not to be tied to you, Frankie. The last thing I need to be is public enemy number one among the entire female faculty.”
“You flatter me, baby girl.”
She sets the mug down and clings her phone in her hand, gazing with a sigh toward her wet sneakers.
“Thanks again, Frankie. You’ve put my mind at rest.”
She turns to go and I say abruptly, “Haven’t you forgotten something?”
“I don’t–” She appears confused and I nod to her phone.
“You need to register for The Claiming if you’re intending on taking part. Slots are almost full and you must act fast if you’re going to accept my challenge.”
She peers down at her phone and then nods and with a challenge in her beautiful eyes, she makes the text.
“There. Happy now?”
“I’ll be happier when I win and you are claimed along with Siri.”
Once again, I give nothing away and I can tell she is curious if I’m adding my name to the list.
I flash her a wicked smirk and smile. “Take care walking back, Cassie. It’s getting dark out there.”
She says nothing and walks away and as the door closes softly behind her, I smile to myself. In a few hours, she’ll be back for the party and tonight will prove a very interesting one indeed.