Westminster Academy (Part One)

nine

I stood in front of the mirror and examined myself. I didn't want to admit it, but I was nervous. I wasn't scared of him, obviously, or of any stupid punishment. But I did like the reputation I had, and the privacy that came with it. People barely talked to me, and I wanted to keep it that way. Now, I had to give up my whole protection, and it would make me feel more vulnerable than being bent over a desk and caned. I straightened my shoulders. The school uniform suited me as well as ever, clinging to my body in just the right places. I wore my hair in a pony tail, because it somehow gave me more confidence and made me appear taller. I didn't really wear makeup, but I put some mascara and lipgloss on, just for an extra confidence boost. I was just about to take the lipgloss off, not wanting to appear too eager to please, when someone knocked at my door.

I glanced at my watch. "Someone" was two minutes early. I ignored him and continued to wipe the lipgloss off my lips.

Another knock.

I took my time and made sure there was none left.

Another knock.

My lips were red from rubbing. How convenient.

Another knock.

I sighed. Fine.

I shot myself one last look, then I finally grabbed my bag and opened the door. And there he stood, tall and handsome, with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Piercing me with his eyes.

He's not happy.

"Morning?" I said coldly without really looking at him.

"Are you deaf?"

"Excuse me?"

"I knocked four times."

I bit back a smile. "Patience is a virtue."

His hand was on my throat before I could celebrate my triumph.

I'm not ready for that kind of touch yet.

"Listen to me, Azalea."

I refused to look him in die eye, but his hand made me nervous. Just like yesterday, he didn't choke me so much that I couldn't breathe. It just made me feel very...dominated.

"You know the rules, and they count from now on. We'll see the headmaster after breakfast, and I'll punish you as soon as we're out of the office for every little mistake you make. And it will not be pleasant."

I gulped, but still didn't look at him.

"Too afraid to look at me?"

And my eyes shot up. I could be easy to manipulate. His eyes were grey and hard, almost painful to look at.

"We're in public as soon as you close that door behind you. Every rule is to be followed. And this is the last reminder you get."

I didn't say anything. He hadn't asked a question anyway. After a few more seconds, he let go of my neck and took a step back.

I wanted to run away, but I closed the door to my room and accepted my fate.

We started walking and he took my hand. Not hesitantly, he just took it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I wanted to pull away but his fingers were immovable. No escaping. I sighed.

"You look beautiful, by the way."

Thank you so much, "sir". Looking forward to showing me off? Do I look like I care what you think?

I forced myself to keep my mouth shut and focused on walking. We had to leave the building, walk over the campus and to the dining hall. I had to hold his hand for about five minutes. I could do that.