Chapter 13 Reyna #2
Spencer stares at Shaw in confusion, and my brows hike up my forehead. Who does Professor Audacity think he is? I was going to say no, but now that Shaw said that, I’ve changed my mind. I’m now very interested in going to dinner with a complete stranger. Why not? I do far worse things.
“Actually, I’ve got time. I’m almost finished with my next film.” A complete lie. There is zero coherent thought swimming through my head right now. I need all the time I can get to frantically pull a fake murder together.
Either way, Shaw’s assignment isn’t due for a few more weeks. So what the fuck is he trying to imply here? That I need extra help or something?
Here I was thinking we were making headway after our interaction in the library.
I mean, I did visit a crime scene last night without Maddox, and I’m on the fence as to whether it was the Shadow.
The artistry was there, but so was a bag of Cheetos and a packet of KitKats—my two favorite snacks—which is odd on so many levels.
Both were placed near the body, modernizing the scene in a way that didn’t match his usual style.
The autopsy report Lawrence sent me provided that the victim had consumed an abnormal amount of almonds prior to his death.
I’m certain it was the killer’s doing, I just can’t figure out why.
My biased brain keeps pointing out my allergies, but that couldn’t have anything to do with it since the subject didn’t die from anaphylactic shock.
Still, I took photos and looked around in case I end up getting inspired by this kill that may or may not be his. My heart was pounding the whole time because I thought Maddox was going to waltz through the front door to tear me a new one for visiting another crime scene.
“She’s your… student?” Spencer asks slowly.
Shaw says, “Yes,” at the same time I say, “Not really.” It seems the only language we know how to speak to each other is combat.
Spencer narrows his eyes at my professor. “Define not really.”
“It means she’s unavailable,” Maddox answers for me, wearing a mask of indifference.
I chastise the butterflies that are going for a joyride around my stomach. I’m meant to be livid over his whole controlling act, not ready to twirl my finger in my hair and giggle.
I whip a scathing glare his way, innocently answering, “It means that he’s substituting in for my actual professor—who should be back at work any day now.”
There are a million other things I’d rather do than go on a date with Casanova over here, but I’ll go if it means sticking it to Maddox.
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, and boy, 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. Not like 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, and hell if 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 of anyone, let alone some random frat bro for hitting on me. Me of 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 name SHAW.
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?