Okay, his people skills really needed some work, but I get it. It’s who he is, and people make him uncomfortable.
He’s not the only person in the world like that and it would be wrong to hold it against him.
“Do you prefer to draw or paint?” I ask him.
Me, I personally don’t like to share artwork with anyone. I like to be in complete control of my creations coming to life, but I’m also not willing to fail a class because I don’t like to play well with others when it comes to artistic creations.
“Drawing.”
Huh, I probably should have guessed that. That’s fine with me.
“Ok, draw something that means a lot to you. Then we’ll discuss it and I will try to bring it to life with colour. Sound good?”
He gives a short nod, turns to Harleigh to acknowledge her, and then takes off.
Harleigh
How rude and dismissive can one guy get?
Ok we get it, you don’t like people. Doesn’t mean you have to be an ass about it. Guess he could have been worse though, at least he was nice enough to acknowledge that I was sitting here.
While they stood there talking, I took in the sight of him. He had scared the hell out of me the last time I saw him even though it was brief.
Just like he doesn’t like people being around, I don’t like people staring. Having seen him just interacting with Bry though, I figure he didn’t actually mean to stare and draw attention.
“You have to work with him? Joy.” I need to find a release for this tension I’m feeling and soon.
I’ve barely been sleeping because I hate keeping anything from my parents and Addy, but they just can’t know about this yet. I’m not ready.
“Yeah, Conners isn’t a bad guy, he just prefers to be alone. Sorry, I forgot to tell you he was going to be meeting me in here. I know he kinda freaked you out before.” He’s so sweet to notice that.
Conners must be Darren’s last name if that’s how Bry is referring to him.
Darren Conners is the epitome of tall, dark, handsome and dangerous. He has these bright blue eyes that remind me of a sunny sky which is a complete contrast to his look and demeanour.
He’s bald with just the shadow of hair that would be there if he allowed it to grow. My guess is his natural hair is probably a dark brown, but not dark enough to seem black. He has a square jaw that lends to the dangerous look he gives off with his clothes and loner attitude. Put it all together and he’s a scary looking guy.
“I think you’re right…Bry,” I take a deep breath realizing I am beyond exhausted and need to be honest with him. He’s been dealing with my cranky ass for weeks and weeks, and he deserves an explanation. “I haven’t been sleeping well since before the holidays. I’m exhausted.”
“Why didn’t you say something sooner? I knew you were stressed, but not sleeping is a very bad idea for so many reasons, Harleigh. What can I do to help?” The level of concern on his face has a ball of emotion getting stuck in my throat.
I love this man so much it’s insane to even think about.
“Umm, I know this technically isn’t allowed and we could both get into some serious shit for it, but I was wondering if maybe you could sleep in my room with me for a while? Like at night, not just tonight.” I shy away from looking at him, afraid he will think I’m weak. In reality I just can’t seem to shut my brain off when I’m alone. Too many thoughts keeping me awake.
“Of course, beautiful. Always. I can even call Dad. If we get into trouble, I’m sure he can pull some strings. Your safety is my main concern. I love you, Harleigh. Thank you for finally asking.”
I let out a quiet sob at the look of pure love and adoration he holds for me.
“I need to skip the rest of today and sleep. I don’t know if you want to skip out on class, but I’ll email the professors and tell them I’m not feeling well.”
“Okay. Let’s get you to bed to get some rest. I’ll sort it out so I can be there to help you sleep, alright?” We stand up and head out of the school towards the dorms while Bry calls his father.
I assume to pull some sort of strings to allow my guardian angel to stay with me at night, but who knows.
To be honest, I quit paying attention and kind of zoned out until someone stepped into my view, effectively blocking the entrance into the dorms.
Ugh, people are so fucking rude! Can’t a girl just get some damn sleep around here?!
Looking up to move past them, I stop short when I realize who stopped us.
Colten.
I thought he had learned his lesson when I sacked him, but apparently he was just buying time or some shit.
“What the fuck do you want?!” I snap at him as Bry grabs my arm to hold me back. I’m way too tired for this right now. Not to mention how much I hate this asshole.
Can’t he take a hint?!
“Aww, baby, don’t talk like that,” he coos, like I’m some child he needs to sooth. “What has your panties in such a bind, hmm? Need to get laid? Is that where you and your boy toy are headed? To have some boring vanilla sex in your room?”
Oh, FUCK NO HE DIDN’T!!!! I am fuming.
I’m seriously going to kill this son of a bitch!
“Uh, Harleigh, beautiful. I know you want to, but you need to relax. Saying shit like that just gives him more power.” He turns a dark eye on Colten. “Dude, what the fuck is your problem?! Can’t you take a hint? She doesn’t like you or want you around and I gotta say I’m with her on that.”
Colten looks between us for a moment, studying us.
