Your Loyal Servant

(26) That's What You Call Fair?

My face felt like it was on fire as the entire room turned their attention to us. I was acutely aware of his hand in mine and his troubling proximity. To any onlooker, it'd appear we were dating, or at least a lot more than friends. Which, I suppose, was true, but it wasn't any less embarrassing.

Given the past scandal that had circulated about us the first few days he attended, the situation worsened. Before, everyone had thought I'd paid him to be my obedient lover. Now, technically, he was my obedient lover. So naturally, everyone assumed some sort of transaction had occurred between us.

The room exploded. People weren't whispering—they were shouting at each other. Theories and assumptions flew at top speed across the classroom, gossip hot between everyone. It was so loud and all at the same time, I understood none of it. I did understand, though, that we would be the center of attention. Again.

I released a sigh, and Howie heard. He glanced at me, concerned. He squeezed my hand to grab my attention, and once my gaze rested on him, he gave me a reassuring smile. But I wasn't so confident.

When I spotted Apple and Selma, they were staring at us like fish out of water. Thankfully, they weren't talking—they were just stunned into silence. But as I continued to watch them, I noticed the look in their eyes change. They weren't surprised anymore. Now, they shared a knowing glance, like they were expecting this to happen, that it was just a matter of time.

Carefully, I removed my hand from his and rushed over to my friends, my only allies aside from Howie. As soon as I was at their side, they practically attacked me, grabbing my arms and tugging me closer.

Apple whispered, "What the hell is going on, Rose? Why were you two holding hands?"

Selma nodded vigorously in agreement, her cell phone nowhere in sight but probably tucked into the waistband of her skirt.

I took a deep breath and decided to go with the simplest explanation. "I finally figured out why I was jealous."

Apple squealed and proceeded to jump up and down and clap her hands, bringing a few questioning pairs of eyes our way. She ignored them and asked in unbridled eagerness, "How'd it go? I mean, what happened?"

My eyes cut to him before I plunged.

"Well, I ordered him to kiss me, and he did, because he does whatever I ask of him, being my servant and all. But I got upset because it wasn't what I wanted. I wanted him to kiss me on his own will, right? Well, then he confessed that he had feelings for me even when he wasn't supposed to and so it was just kinda natural to say how I felt, too. And, yeah, that's what happened," I rushed, tugging a strand of hair.

Apple turned to Selma and pointed in her face, exclaiming, "Ha! I told you he liked her!"

"I never said he didn't," she retorted matter-of-factly. "I simply thought he'd never tell her."

She rolled her eyes, waving dismissively. She insisted, "Please, he was so going to confess. I knew it the moment Brick called it off. With Rose single, he was going to jump at the opportunity. And it looks like I was right."

Selma held up a finger. "Now, you're only partially correct. See, he would only confess if she asked. Had that never happened, he would have kept quiet about it for his entire life because he believes he is first and foremost her servant. It's all a matter of obedience and duty."

Apple shook her head, saying, "No, it was a matter of time, because once she—"

I had to stop them there. I blurted, "Wait, you guys knew he liked me?"