Shit. He probably knew about what happened in the gym. I don’t think my face ever burned so much.
When Mr. Dawson left, I jumped up and down, tugging on Dastien’s shirt. He laughed and put his arm around my shoulder.
“How did you know that I’d want to go to a bookstore?” I said.
“Who do you think set up your room?” He kissed my nose. My heart sped, wanting more. “Your mother gave me quite the lecture about keeping them in order.”
I laughed at the image of her lecturing Dastien. She could be a bad ass when she wanted to be.
As we started back to school, one dark cloud hung over my otherwise sunny day. What was I going to do about Shannon? Not to mention Chris and all the other guys. At least maybe they would leave me alone now.
And then there was the problem of Imogene and her dad and the vampires.
I said a little prayer that everyone was still out having fun when I got back. But my luck had never been that good.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Gabriel and a few of the guys strode up to me as we walked down one of the paths to the courtyard. Dastien’s hand came to rest on the small of my back and the guys stopped. I didn’t need to look up at him to know he was giving them a serious stare down.
One by one, the boys looked at the ground and stepped back to let us pass. Being with Dastien definitely had its perks. Maybe the rest of the guys would quit telling me what and how much to eat.
A few heads popped up to stare at us as we entered the cafeteria. But after we’d gotten our food, he led us to a table alone.
“Chris said you’re one of the best fighters.”
He shrugged one shoulder. “I had the best teaching me. My father and Michael. The two of them sparring was one of my favorite things to watch.” He leaned forward. “Do the rumors about you and our relationship bother you?”
“I’m used to being pointed at.” I ran my fingers through the ends of my hair. “I try not to let them get to me.”
“But they do?”
I squirmed under his stare. He saw too much of me already. “I’m only human.” He stayed quiet. “Whatever. You know what I mean.”
“So you really like all the groups you wear shirts for?” he asked.