Chapter 106 Jealousy
Blair's body gave a visible jolt, her face drained of color as her fingers clamped hard around the hem of her skirt. Panic flickered in her eyes—chaotic, unfocused—but she forced herself to squeeze out a few tears.
"What bullying? Bianca, don't twist things. We were just… reminding her out of concern."
Her lips trembled in a fragile pout, tears shimmering as she looked at Bianca for sympathy.
Bianca didn't bother with more than a single flat glance in Blair's direction.
She turned instead, steadying Jasmine beside her, whose complexion was pale and drawn. "Let's go," Bianca said, her tone cold enough to cut.
Cody and Kelly shifted, reluctant to move, but Blair's hand shot out to block them. She gave a small shake of her head, and they stepped aside, clearing a path.
The moment Jasmine left, the classroom filled with hushed whispers, the air buzzing with speculation.
"I swear I heard something about academic misconduct…"
"Seriously? If that's true, she could be expelled."
"Blair would never do something like that. That's just slander."
"Looks like Monday won't be peaceful."
Every murmur wormed its way into Blair's ears. Her jaw tightened, and she shot a venomous glare toward the direction Bianca had gone. Drawing in a long breath, she forced a polite smile onto her face before walking out.
"Bianca… I'm useless," Jasmine whispered, her voice trembling, shoulders shaking, head bowed as if afraid to meet Bianca's eyes.
Bianca's hand moved to her back, a steady rhythm meant to soothe. "They're the ones out of line. This isn't on you."
"I didn't think Blair would… I can't believe she's that kind of person. I promise I'll protect Jasmine from now on," Paxton said, fists clenched, sincerity burning in his gaze.
Bianca's eyes slid toward the little shadow who had been trailing them. She took in his narrow shoulders, his thin frame. If Paxton hadn't found her in time, she didn't want to imagine what Jasmine might have endured. Still… he didn't exactly look like someone who could protect anyone.
Paxton caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes and opened his mouth to argue. But the memory of the hallway confrontation—Cody's casual shove nearly knocking him off balance—made him swallow the words.
"I'll start training," Paxton said, his voice firm.
Bianca didn't respond, turning her focus back to Jasmine. Whatever Paxton lacked in strength, he could at least keep watch over her friend and relay trouble quickly.
"Don't dwell on it. Their arrogance won't last," Bianca said, her gaze dropping, a glint of steel flashing in her eyes.
Jasmine sniffled, her expression slowly hardening. "Bianca, I found a place off campus. My parents have already wired the money. I can't keep imposing on you."
Bianca started to protest, but the determination in Jasmine's eyes made her bite back the words.
Her hand rose to ruffle Jasmine's hair, her voice gentler now. "You know you can come to me anytime."
She wanted to shield Jasmine, but she didn't want her friend to grow up in a glass cage.
"Mm." Jasmine nodded, forcing a small smile. "You should head back. I'm fine. No injuries. I can handle being alone."
"I'll walk you downstairs."
Bianca's tone was resolute, leaving no room for argument.
Jasmine's rental was in an older building, no elevator, plenty of foot traffic. There was no security, but the constant movement of neighbors lent it a lived-in warmth.
Once she was sure Jasmine was safely inside, Bianca turned away.
She pushed open her own apartment door, and before the chill from outside could fade, a solid, familiar chest wrapped around her. His scent hit her instantly, grounding her in its warmth.
Bianca lifted a hand to push lightly at Terrence's chest, her voice soft. "What are you doing?"
Terrence lowered his head, breathing in the faint floral trace from her hair. The storm inside him eased, his palm moving slowly along her back.
Then, without warning, he swept her off her feet.
Her shoes, dusty from the walk, thudded to the floor. Bianca's arms flew up around his neck, her eyes searching his face in confusion.
They sank onto the couch, Bianca settling naturally against the broad plane of his chest. Her small hands roamed restlessly over him, a quiet, feline curiosity in her touch.
Terrence looked down at the woman in his arms, his fingers sliding into her soft hair, idly stroking. There was a tenderness in his eyes, subtle but there.
"Terrence, I missed you," Bianca said, listening to the way his heartbeat quickened beneath her ear.
His hand stilled. "Something happened at school?"
"No!" Bianca puffed her cheeks, annoyed at his bluntness.
Her eyes flickered with mischief.
"I've been doing great. Life's been full, interesting," she said, rising from his lap to stand barefoot on the plush carpet, her expression bright.
Terrence's gaze tracked her every move. "Is that so?"
"Of course." Bianca clasped her hands behind her back, giving him a playful wink. "I've made lots of friends. They're fun. I like them."
She put deliberate weight on the word "like," making sure he heard it.
"Male or female?" Terrence's brow lifted, his eyes darkening.
Bianca's finger tapped at her lips, pretending to think. "Both."
His hand tightened slightly, drawing her back into his arms. His palm traced the curve of her waist, his voice low.
"Male…"
"Yes," Bianca's eyes lit up. "We even planned to go to an art exhibit together."
His grip shifted, thumb pressing into her side. Danger laced his tone.
Melissa's words echoed unbidden in his mind. His face stayed calm, fingers toying with the strands of her hair.
"You're popular?"
Bianca caught the shift in his voice, a sly glimmer sparking in her eyes. Her lips curved upward.
She gripped his collar with both hands, eyes impossibly bright. "Of course. I'm adorable. Plenty of people like me."
The moment the words left her mouth, Terrence's hand clamped tighter, enough to draw a soft sound from her.
She tilted her head to look at him. His face was still composed, but his mouth was set in a hard line, feigning indifference.
"Being popular isn't bad."
Bianca's laughter spilled out, her body curling against him, teasing. "Terrence… you're jealous."
His expression darkened instantly. His arm locked around her waist, holding her close.
His breath was hot, searing against the skin of her neck. "What do you think?"
The upward tilt in his tone carried a challenge.
Bianca straddled his lap. "Terrence, I was wrong. I'm not popular at all. Jasmine's the only one who keeps me company at the academy."