Chapter 50 CHAPTER FIFTY
Scarlett’s POV
I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my eyes. The ink on my fingers was a mess, but my English assignment was finally done. I pulled my social ethics textbook toward me, but as I flipped through the syllabus, I realized I’d made a mistake. I didn’t have the supplementary text I needed to finish the last two sections. I tried to make do with my notes, but it wasn't working. The concepts were too dense, and I couldn't just guess my way through ethical theories.
I looked out the window. It was pitch black outside, the kind of heavy darkness that only exists in a place surrounded by miles of nothing but trees and fences. I checked the time on the wall clock: 10:44 PM.
The library wouldn't be locked; it never was. The management didn't expect a bunch of delinquent students to sneak out just to steal a couple of textbooks. Most people here stayed as far away from the library as possible. I stood up, pulled on a thick sweater over my pajamas, and decided it was worth the risk. If I didn't finish this tonight, I’d be behind for the rest of the week. I’d be out and back in minutes.
Rachael was knocked out like the dead on her side of the room. I tiptoed past her, eased the door open, and slipped into the hallway.
The corridors were cold and smelled like floor wax and old stone. I kept my back to the wall, walking as quietly as I could. I was almost out of the female dormitories when I saw a shadow moving toward me from the opposite direction. My heart jumped into my throat.
As the figure got closer, the dim overhead lights revealed a man. I froze, my breath catching. It was Mr. Mason, the religious studies teacher. He had stopped to talk to me once before, but seeing him out this late felt wrong. He wouldn't cause trouble for me, would he? Students definitely weren't meant to be out after lights out, but he was a teacher.
I stayed where I was, hoping he’d just nod and pass by. But he didn't pass. He slowed down and stopped right in front of me, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses. I eyed him warily, my hands clutching the hem of my sweater.
"Good evening, Mr. Mason," I whispered, trying to sound braver than I felt.
"Hello, Miss Scarlett," he said. His voice was too smooth for the middle of the night. "What are you doing out this late?"
"I’m just going to the library," I said quickly. "I need some books for my social ethics assignment. I thought I could be quick."
He tilted his head, looking at me like I was a specimen under a microscope. He spoke conversationally, like we were old buddies catching up over coffee. "I see. Dedicated to your studies. That's rare here." He stepped a little closer, crowding my personal space. "So, I wanted to ask... what exactly is between you and Blue?"
I blinked, completely confused. Why did a teacher care about who I spent my time with? "He’s just a friend," I said, trying to keep my voice chill. "He has protected me from harm many times in the past. That’s all."
"Protected you," Mr. Mason repeated, the corner of his mouth twitching. "I see."
He moved even closer, and I felt my back hit the wall. It was starting to become annoying, but mostly, it was scary. There was something predatory about the way he was looking at me. Was he a teacher who had some kind of beef with Blue? I couldn't understand why he was so interested in my affairs.
Then, a calm, cold voice cut through the silence from behind Mr. Mason.
"Mr. Mason, I didn't realize Religious Studies required one-on-one sessions in the dark."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. It was Blue. He was standing a few feet away, his arms crossed, looking at Mason with a look of pure disgust. I was so relieved to see him.
Mason didn't look bothered. He actually smiled gently and turned around. "Just the man I wanted to see."
Blue cocked his head to the side. "See me? Why? I’m not exactly looking for a sermon."
It was obvious Blue didn't like this man one bit. He must have done something to get on Blue's bad side, which made me like Mason even less.
"With everything that happened recently," Mason said, ignoring the jab, "have you had time to rethink things?"
Blue smirked, but there was no humor in it. It was a dark expression. "What is it to you, you snitch? You can just keep up the good work you’ve been doing. Don't worry about my thoughts."
Mason’s smile stayed fixed. "I like how you see yourself as irreplaceable, Blue. Or unable to be done away with. But tell me... do you really want to get on his bad side?”
I watched them both with wide eyes. My head was spinning. Who were they talking about? Blue’s father?
"It’s still none of your business," Blue said, his voice dropping an octave.
Mr. Mason then pointed a finger at me. "Will you at least explain this? This little... deviation?"
I scowled at him. I wasn't a "this”. I was a person.
Blue took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Mason. "What’s your interest in my pet? Unlike men like you, I take good care of those who give themselves to me. She’s exactly where I want her."
"So it’s nothing like love, right?" Mason asked, spitting the word 'love' out as if it were a piece of rotten fruit.
Blue scoffed. "I don't have time for such trivialities. Moreover, didn't my father beat away most of my emotions years ago? Surely you don't think me capable of love. But a man has needs, Mason. I’m sure even you understand that."
Mr. Mason nodded, looking satisfied with that answer, though he still looked suspicious.
I tried not to be hurt by Blue’s words. Technically, he hadn't done anything wrong. He had never promised me love or a romantic relationship. We were just... whatever we were. But hearing him call me a pet and talk about needs made my chest ache. It was just my traitorous heart acting up again, feeling things it shouldn't for a guy who was probably just using me like I am using him.
"Well," Mason said, adjusting his glasses. "Get back indoors. It’s lights out, after all." He walked off down the hall, his footsteps echoing as if he were completely innocent.
As soon as he was out of earshot, I looked at Blue. "Who is he? He works for your father, doesn't he?"
Blue looked at me, and I could see the simmering anger in his grey eyes. "What are you doing out this late, Scarlett? Do you have a death wish?"