Chapter 53: The Intrusion, Part 1

NINE

Days pass, and I don't see him. At the party, I couldn't avoid him; he refused to let me out of his sight. Now, he avoids me as well as I avoid him.

He writes me down for house duties, keeping me busy, and I don't know if it's punishment for volunteering my help without his permission. I make sure to steer clear of the library, despite every cell in my body begging me to go. He is in my veins like an addiction, but I know it isn't healthy. I know the feelings I'm developing for him are disastrous for us both. I need to keep my wits about me. I need to ensure the line between us doesn't blur more than it already has.

On the eighth day, I'm in the Unfortunate bathhouse, alone, after a ten-hour kitchen and laundry shift.