“So, you guys aren’t going on a date anymore?” Beth asked, over the phone.

“Damn, Em! Why did you stamp that ‘as friends’ mark on this? Now you have lost all your chances to get your answers.” Cassie’s discontent voice came from the other side of the conference call.

Holding the phone in between my shoulder and ear, I washed my hands in the basin and dried them with some tissues.

Walking out of the bathroom, I grumbled, “I thought he’d say yes. At least I agreed to go out with him, right? He should be happy!”

“After you stamped those words on his face when he wants you more than just friends? I don’t think anyone would be happy in his place. We’re talking about Achilles Valencian here.”

I could imagine her rolling her amber orbs.

“But he also should understand her situation, right? She needs some time before making any serious decision about their relationship,” Beth argued. Always the sensible one.

I nodded, as if they could see me.

In the middle of their banter, when I turned down another hallway, I found Arthur outside on the balcony. With his phone in his ear, he was engrossed in a heavy conversation. With his dark eyes flaming, nostrils flaring, he hissed something into the phone. Due to the glass door between us, his words couldn’t reach me.

Who is he talking to in such a manner? I’ve always seen him composed and calm. Not this furious and anxious.

Closing his eyes, he ran his hand through his almost gray locks. Listening to something the other person said, he slowly nodded and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

A sinister smile.

“Em? Are you listening to us?” Cassie’s voice called out to me, but my gaze was set on him as he turned and his eyes met mine.

The sinister smile slowly faded, and a deadly look took over his features. A shiver ran down my spine.

Not wanting to be there anymore, I hurried down the corridor.

Something was going on in his head. But I couldn’t find out what.

What if I’m just assuming things?

I shook my head. I couldn’t decide anything until I talked to Sierra.

“Em? You there?” Beth inquired.

“Yeah!” I cleared my throat. “I’m listening.”

“Where were you so lost? Saw your devil charming again?” Cassie whistled.

A chuckle snuck out of my mouth. “No. I wasn’t lost anywhere. Anyway, what were you talking about?”

“I said ask him directly. Maybe bat your eyes a little. I’m sure he’ll agree. He can’t deny his Rosebud. And that way, you can get your answers also,” she suggested.

I sighed. “It’s not that easy. He was pretty mad when he read my message. He didn’t look at me after that. I don’t think he’d agree.”