Two days later I went back to class. I told Lucien he couldn't go all possessive and hold me in public. Since he's moved himself into the apartment and seem to have no plan of leaving anytime soon, I made him promise that in public we're friends and nothing more. He reluctantly agreed but still insisted on not letting me out of his sight.
Blake hadn't returned to college and I'd heard that he was still in hospital. I was gleeful hearing the news, the bastard will think twice about messing with me after this!
Things went on fine for me. Finals were fast approaching and I spent a lot of time in the Library or once in a while joined a study group. Lucien always managed to be wherever I was but smart enough to be unobtrusive about it.
One day some of my classmates asked whether we could have a study session and do it at the apartment since I was one of the few who had an apartment and study rooms and every available corner was occupied. I was reluctant, not because I didn't want to join but how was I to explain Lucien staying at the apartment? So far, nobody knew Lucien was staying with me except of course for 'our gang', Barry, Mike, Helen, Lucien and I.
Lucien had been as good as his word and even though we slept together every night, he never tried to force himself on me. All he did was to give me a few light kisses and hold me.
"Are we on for tomorrow night Sara?" Marcus asked me after class.
"Um, sure. Can Lucien join us?" I asked, trying to be casual.
"Of course. The more the better especially when we get the two top students in our class!" Marcus grinned back.
That night I told Lucien about the study group. "I don't want you to act or say anything that'll make them suspect that you're staying here," I warned Lucien.
"But I'll be here when they arrive and I won't be going back when they leave. How can they not suspect?" he protested innocently.
"Because you're going to tell them that you arrived early to discuss something with me and when they leave, just tell them you'll be leaving later. And you'd better make sure you're ready and dressed and all your notes and books are already out in the living room. You're not to go to my room for any reason, is that clear?" I glared at him. Somehow his innocent look didn't reassure me.
"And try not to act too familiar with the apartment," I pressed further.
He didn't say anything but just smiled slightly, still with that innocent look. I glared at him, "Lucien I'm serious."
"You certainly are" he grinned back.
The next evening, I tidied up the living room. I didn't want any traces of Lucien to be found there. I was getting worried, the other kids should be arriving soon and Lucien was still not back. Was he up to something?
The bell rang and I opened the door to let the other kids in. We settled down with our books and notes and were just about to start when Lucien walked in. His skin and clothes were smudged with dirt; it was obvious that he'd just finished farm work.
"Sorry guys, I got delayed at the farm. Why don't you all start without me? Just let me get cleaned up and I'll join you," he said calmly and walked to the bedroom.
I was blushing furiously and couldn't meet anyone's eyes. I could feel the other kids looking at me questioningly.
Taking a deep breath I said, "Shall we start?" and smiled brightly trying to act unconcerned even though my cheeks were still red. I'm going to kill Lucien after this!
Every little sound Lucien made, the door closing, the shower starting even his footsteps got magnified in my mind. I tried my best to ignore it and concentrate on the discussion but I could still see the puzzled looks on the other kids faces.
Lucien came and sat down unconcernedly, his hair still damp from the shower and joined in the discussion as if nothing happened. I dared not meet his eyes especially in front of the other kids.
After about an hour, we took a short break and I went to the kitchen to get some drinks and snacks for the others. Lucien calmly followed to give me a hand.
"You bastard, you did this on purpose!" I hissed angrily at him.
"What? You don't want my help?" he asked with a puzzled look on his face.
"Don't give me that innocent look! You purposely delayed farm work so you'd have an excuse for that beautiful performance, didn't you?!" my voice was rising in my anger.
"If you don't want the others to be even more interested than they already are, I suggest you lower you voice," he replied calmly and took the drinks to the living room.
Damn, damn, damn! Killing will be too good for him!
"So, what's the deal with you guys?" Marcus asked, looking from Lucien to me.
"We're friends," I muttered.
"Hmm, I'm your friend too aren't I?" he continued with a mischievous grin. "Can I make myself at home here?"
"No!" I yelled and glared at Marcus.
"Sheesh, sorry. Don't bite my head off!"
"Only selected friends are allowed to make themselves at home," Lucien said with a broad smile and winked at Marcus.
The other kids were laughing and looking with interest at my red face and Lucien's smiling one.
"Can we continue?" I asked irritably.
The group left about an hour later and Lucien and I saw them off at the door. As soon as the door closed I stomped to the bedroom, slammed and locked the door. I was so mad I felt I had smoke coming out of my ears and was certainly not in the mood for Lucien's company then, he'll be lucky I don't permanently disable him!
I heard a knock on the door and demanded furiously, "What?!"
"Sara, let me in," Lucien's voice said calmly.
"Go away you bastard, I don't want to see you ever again!"
"Can you at least let me explain?"
Like he could explain. I kept quiet and didn't answer him. I'm going to sleep and maybe tomorrow, if I had calmed down, I'll be able to look at Lucien without hitting him.
"Please let me in," Lucien's voice was pleading.