Page 176 of Glutton for Punishment

A laugh escapes me. “That would make for an awkward conversation.”

“Especially because I’d have to pretend I was teaching.”

I grin. “The Atticus Willshire? Teaching naked?!”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “That would make things a little difficult to explain.”

I laugh again and finally sit up. The movement draws his attention, and for a moment, he simply watches me.

We gather our things and begin straightening the room. I smooth down my shirt while Atticus retrieves the supplies that were knocked onto the floor during ‘training’.

The ordinary nature of it feels strangely intimate. We’ll no longer have to get by on stolen moments and impossible feelings. It’s real now. The thought makes me smile.

My phone buzzes, and I glance down at my screen. The second I see his name, my stomach flips.

Maddox: On my way back to the academy. Should be there within the hour.

I can’t stop the smile that breaks across my face. Maddox is coming home. My fingers move quickly across the screen.

Arwen: Can’t wait to see you.

The message sends before I can overthink it.

Unfortunately, the second I lower my phone, a different feeling creeps in. Guilt. Anxiety.

I’ll need to tell Maddox that Atticus and I have completed our bond. I stare at my screen for a moment longer than necessary, processing.

“Everything okay?”

I glance up to find Atticus watching me.

“Um... yeah. I think so. Maddox is on his way back.”

Something flickers across his face. The happiness doesn’t disappear, but I watch him carefully tuck it away. His shoulders stiffen before he gives a small nod.

“I’m sure you’re excited he’s back.”

I hate that reaction because I know why he’s doing it. He’s trying to give me space before I’ve even asked for it.

“Atticus—”

“I understand if you want some time with him tonight.” The smile he gives me is genuine. Just a little sad around the edges.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Because I do want to see Maddox. I’ve missed him.

But I also don’t like how quickly Atticus assumes he should step aside. Before I can find the right words, he continues. “That being said... you should probably warn him that I’m planning to be around considerably more often.”

One eyebrow lifts, and the corner of his mouth curves upward. A hint of his usual confidence returning. “I’ve spent months watching West monopolize your time.”

“I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to hear it,” I say sarcastically with a smile.

Atticus slides his bag over one shoulder. His eyes meet mine as he steps closer and brushes a loose strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture is so gentle my heart threatens to melt on the spot.

“I have every intention of making up for lost time.”

The warmth in his voice sends a pleasant shiver through me. The bond between us glows bright and steady. We start toward the door, and for a moment I’m floating.

Then something shifts, and I stop.