16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Laura

I collapse on the couch when I finally get back into my dorm room, closing and locking the door behind me. It has been quite an evening.

My head hurts from the one freaking drink that I finished. I'm so out of practice when it comes to partying. People seem to say that college is a good time for partying, but... I just want to fit in with everyone. I'm not special and don't want to stand out.

I let out a breath, trying to get up so I could get a glass of water.

But a glass of water shows up in front of me. I blink until my eyes also focus on the hand that's holding it. "Oh, you're here."

It is Gisett. He has a warm smile on his handsome face. "You're back."

I nod and take the glass from him. "Yes, I survived it." I gulp down the water, hoping it will head my tense forehead and nerves. "Thanks."

He sits by my side, and I find myself leaning onto him almost at once. Maybe I'm done with humans for the night, but I can deal with a gargoyle.

He wraps his wings around me. "You seem to be tired."

"I am. I'm just not a party person, why must I make myself do this again and again?"

"To be fair, I think this is the first—"

"No, second time I have gone out with people since I got into this college, not to mention the lunches and dinners."

He chuckles and strokes my side, almost as if he doesn't find that an issue. "You survived."

"That's what I said. I don't like that at all. But it feels like I'm going to have to stick with some of that for the whole four years to come."

"Minus a month or two." He winks as if he said something super smart.

"Just shut up and let me relax for the night."

He kisses my temple, almost melting me with his hot lips. "Do I prepare the bathtub for you? With some massaging too?"

A surge of heat rushes to my cheeks and vibrates through my body. "You want to see me naked, huh?"

"Oh, maybe?" He sure sounds innocent enough. "I've seen you naked anyway." He puts me on his lap, making it easier to meet his eyes when he is a taller guy than me.

He holds my side and makes sure I stay seated on his lap. He leans closer and rests his forehead on mine. "Don't be shy. Let me know what you want."

My heart races when his red eyes pierce into me, almost as if he can cut into my soul just like that. I try to not think about him too hard, then I can probably keep my thoughts to myself. I don't have to do that when I'm with Ryan.

Gisett is still waiting. It feels bad to make him wait when he just wants to do something for me. Am I getting too close to him for our own good?

Like... I like to have him around, but when it comes to... I've never imagined letting a guy in my room all the time and he's just here whenever he wants, almost as if we're dating or something.

I don't remember there's this part in the gargoyle lore, but maybe that's something I don't know.

I clear my throat. "After we fucked that night, it looks like you invite yourself into my life and decide to stay just like that."

He watches me with wide eyes as if he is surprised or something.

Did I say the wrong thing?

But that's what's happening.

He clears his throat. "So... Do you not want me around?"

No? But... "I think I'm tired."

"I can bathe you and put you to the bed."

I shake my head. "I want some time for myself. No others, not even gargoyles."

He squeezes out a smile. "Okay. You know how to find me."

I nod. The throbbing headache is creeping up and it hurts more than I want to bear. He puts me to the side, on the couch. "Laura, do I put you on the bed instead? And give you another water?"

Maybe I should tell him to just leave, but I let him.

The bed is a lot more comfortable than the couch and having my water bottle filled up by my side is great.

He stands at the side of the bed, still watching me.

I pull the blanket and wrap it around me. It hurts to even make out words, so I roll to the other side, hoping he'd know to leave.

But...

"Laura, the party is fine, right? Did anyone hurt you?"

"No."

"Okay, I'm leaving."

Even though he is a huge guy, his steps are quiet. There's only light vibration that spreads from his feet on the floor to the bed.

He's gone.

I close my eyes, willing the headache to be gone. I just want to fit in with everyone. But when Gisett wanders around me, it feels like...

Fuck...

What if he doesn't exist and I've been imagining things?

I really should sleep before I keep coming up with even more bizarre ideas.