14

Azira

Eva links arms with me as we walk toward law class. "When is Nat supposed to be back?"

I shake my head. "She said she'd be gone a couple of days. It's been almost two weeks now."

"Right, weird, isn't it?" Eva's brow furrows. "Her texts have been cryptic as well."

"Yeah, I asked where she was and she just said at home."

Her brow furrows. "You don't think something bad happened during the wedding?"

I shake my head. "No, we would have heard about it. I know Boston is chaotic at the moment, but if there had been an incident, everyone at this school would know."

Eva sighs. "True. I just miss her."

"Me too." I swallow hard, knowing that really my mind has been elsewhere. Ever since my last punishment from Professor Luigi, I can't think of anything else. A part of me feels I should back off, and another part wants to push further, to see how much pushing Blaine Luigi will take until he snaps.

It's been a week since he treated me like a pet in an attempt to punish me. If I land in detention with him again, I wonder what exactly he would try next. A mix of fear and uncertainty has kept me from finding out.

"Is it odd going to class and being taught by your husband?"

Eva shrugs. "Not really, I guess because it's been like this since I met him."

I nod in response, wondering what it would be like if Professor Luigi and I were in a relationship. I'd imagine it would be exciting, tantalizing even. My desire for him clearly knows no bounds, considering he reduced me to nothing more than an animal on a leash.

"Have the complaints slowed down now?" I ask.

Eva looks a little sad and shakes her head. "No, a lot of parents are disgusted by the news, but Oak sends the same generic letter back to them. If they have a problem, pull their kid."

I squeeze her arm. "Hey, you are lucky to have a found a man who would risk everything for you."

She smiles. "I know. I just wish people were more understanding."

"It's inevitable. It's not exactly traditional for the principal to marry a student, especially one still attending the academy."

Her brow furrows. "Well, it's not exactly a traditional academy. It's an academy where students are taught how to kill and maim and poison and fight."

"Touche," I say, nodding. "You have a point, there."

"Of course I do."

I laugh as we enter Byrne's classroom, where he's already sitting behind his desk.

The moment Eva walks into the classroom, his eyes flash with desire and he watches her take a seat. It's intense the way he watches her, but it kind of reminds me of the way Luigi has been looking at me lately. I shake my head, trying to ignore the hope which is trying to worm its way into my heart.

Professor Luigi and Principal Byrne are oceans apart. For a start, Luigi is a sadist that many say is borderline insane. Byrne has always been the in control and calm principal of this school who rules with an iron fist, but he's not crazy. He's not a monster, as many brand Blaine Luigi.

I sink into my chair next to Eva, my mind racing.

"Good afternoon, class. I'd like you all to read chapter thirty-two, as we're going to look at the legal methods for circumventing evidence in a case against you."

It sounds beyond boring and I make a split second decision not to open my book but open my notepad to do other work. Digging in my rucksack, I find a pen and write the name of the anatomy assignment at the top of the page. The assignment isn't even due until next week, but I know Principal Bryne hates it when students are writing when they shouldn't be.

It should be enough to land me in Professor Luigi's office once he realizes I'm working on an assignment for another class.

Eva nudges me softly. "What are you doing? You will get in trouble."

I shrug. "I've got so much work to do, I'm drowning. Hopefully, he won't notice."

She looks at me skeptically, shaking her head.

After a few minutes, I hear Principal Byrne's footsteps stop right in front of my desk. "Did I tell you to write, Miss Sidorov?"

I look up and swallow. "No, you didn't."

"Have you even started reading the chapter I assigned?" He glances at my law book, which is still closed.

"I... No." My shoulders slump. "I apologize."

"What exactly are you working on, then?" He snatches the notebook up and shakes his head. "An anatomy assignment?"

I nod in response, swallowing hard as he scans over the words.

"And what possessed you to do work for another class during my class, Sidorov?"

"I'm behind on my assignments."

He slams the notepad back down on the desk, making me jump. "Luigi, now."

"But, I-"

"Now, Azira. Don't make me ask again."

I grab the notebook and my law book, shoving them into my bag.

Eva gives me a look as if she knows exactly why I got caught and it makes me feel a little vulnerable. Could she put two and two together?

"See you at lunch?" I ask.

She nods. "Yeah, see you there."

"Less chatting and more moving, Azira," Principal Byrne barks.

I shoulder my backpack and then head out into the corridor, my heart pounding faster than my feet can carry me. My gut twists with sickness as I get closer and closer to Professor Luigi's office. It's been one week since I last got punished by him for being late. I wonder what kind of punishment he'll come up with this time.