29
GAVRIL
As the weeks pass by, I feel the clawing sensation at my gut, warning me that Camilla is going to graduate soon.
It’s driving me crazy that I even care. Five weeks until school is out and I never see her again.
I run a hand through my hair, knowing that it is for the best.
She’s been more withdrawn ever since she came back from her sister’s second wedding.
Two weeks before, she went to Mia’s arranged wedding, but Mia was kidnapped by Killian Callaghan, the man she really loves, half an hour before.
Somehow, the Morrone family and the Callaghan family have come to some kind of agreement for Mia to marry Killian. I was shocked, to be honest, as they’ve been at war for years. The union should bring some stability to the city, at least, that’s the hope.
The desire to spend every possible moment with Camilla is making me feel a little insane. After all, I’ve never craved a person’s company the way I crave hers.
After the talk we had in my office when I comforted her over her father’s illness, we’ve spent time together not having sex. A completely foreign and yet oddly enjoyable experience.
In fact, she’s coming over for dinner in twenty minutes.
My little cabin in the woods on the Academy’s grounds is cozy, and Camilla seems to enjoy coming here.
Ever since the first time I invited her, she’s always eager to get away.
I guess it’s safer; less chance of getting caught.
She’s been more on edge since her brother arrived, since him catching us would result in violence for certain.
I check the oven to ensure my lasagna isn’t getting over baked.
Cooking has always been a calming pastime that I enjoyed doing for myself, but I never had to do it for anyone else.
Up to now, I’ve ordered takeout for us whenever she’s come down on an evening, but I decided to cook her a meal tonight.
There’s a forceful knock at my door, and my brow furrows as she’s early.
I walk over to it and open the door to find Arch standing there, swaying slightly.
“What are you doing here?”
He smiles drunkenly. “I needed a friend to confide in.”
I clench my jaw. “This isn’t a good time.”
His brows pull together as he glances behind me and notices the table with candles lit and set out for two.
“No way,” he says, swaying to the side. “Don’t tell me you have a date.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“And who, may I ask, is the lucky lady?”
“You don’t know her,” I lie.
Arch tries to take a step inside, but I block him. “Where do you think you are going?”
“I have to meet the woman who has made Gavril Nitkin cook for her.”