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"Ready?" he asks, nodding his head toward Charmaine inside the room.
I nod, waiting as Theo disappears from sight. "Let's go."
Class goes oddly quick, mainly because Grey can't take his eyes off me the entire time. He winks at me, giving me boyish grins, and it feels like my worlds have started to collide in the best way possible.
I think I have emotional whiplash but it's worth it.
When the bell goes for free time, Grey launches himself from his chair, offering me his hand.
"I know you probably want to go see him, but I really need you to come to the library with me," he says.
The thought and consideration from him touches me and knowing I'll be able to see Theo tonight, puts me a little at ease. I nod, grabbing his hand as we leave the classroom last behind everyone else.
Entering the library, I'm immediately hit with the smell of lemons and bleach. A few familiar faces are hanging by the tables and I glance at the shelves, noticing the usual dust is gone.
"Hey… the library has been cleaned," I gawk in amusement.
Grey grins at me. "I organized it. They did a good job."
"Who did?" I laugh, knowing full well that the Lilydale staff wouldn't have bothered.
He nods his head toward a few people in the back. "Leighton and a couple of others. We decided to give it a clean for tonight.Who knows what's on the floor?"
My cheeks blush as he looks at me knowingly. I playfully slap his arm, laughing as we join the others.
"Satisfied?" Leighton asks Grey. "We even managed to do the carpet."
I gaze down, noticing how much brighter the floor looks. I spare a quick thought for whoever was tasked with that, particularly since the aisles have definitely seen some things…
"It's good," Grey nods. "Food will be set up at nine sharp. Make sure to add another chair to the table tonight. We'll have a newcomer attending."
They appear surprised but don't ask questions. Damon is nowhere to be seen, so, naturally Grey takes charge, dishing out orders for tonight's meeting. It's surreal seeing it in action after only ever seeing it already set up.
The group works together confirming plans, assigning roles, and by the time free time is finished, I'm actually excited.
Stepping out of the library, I'm mid-laugh at one of Grey's jokes when his face darkens. I pause, following his line of vision to find Mr. Whittingham waiting by the hall entrance doors.
"Ms. White," he drawls out with a sneer. "You failed to return to my office."
Grey steps closer to me, shadowing my body. "Fuck off, Arthur. She's not your slave."
"She's my student," Whittingham snaps back. "And how I choose to discipline them is none of your concern, Hawthorne."
I cringe at the wordstudent, hating the way it rolls off his tongue. It's an insult to everyone here. We know what we are, but his words are a stark reminder that we are nothing more than dollar signs to him.
"You won't bediscipliningher ever again," Grey warns. "This ends now."
Mr. Whittingham's gaze shoots over to me, anger flashing in his eyes. I can see the realization in his gaze, his stipulations and warnings having gone unnoticed.
"You can keep away from that crowd you seem to have grown attached to. Otherwise, I'll ensure they are promptly removed from Lilydale as well."
"We'll see about that," he snarls at Grey.
I reach up and grab Grey's arm when I notice him start to shake from rage. My movement catches the attention of Whittingham, who looks at my hand with a scowl. He doesn't say anything, turning around, and disappearing in the direction of his office.
"Fuck," I whisper, gazing up at Grey. "What do we do?"
He relaxes, the dark demeanor vanishing instantly. Smiling down at me, he turns around to face me. "Nothing. It's just an empty threat, babe. Don't let it bother you."
