After Mr. Raven's class, inside the campus café...
Tina and her party sat at a large booth, each doing their own thing. They were all starved after having missed their regular lunch for meetings, the Protecteds for a special info session, and the Guardians for the first of their weekly evaluations by G/Ps scientists.
Dee's fidgeting drew Tina's attention. The cobalt-eyed Guardian was perched beside the Lovers, discussing a hazy strategy to get through the obstacle course on her next attempt.
"So, Ma Chérie," Monáe said, tearing Tina from her ear hustling, "we're on Friday. You ready?" The brunette smiled halfheartedly, watched the younger girl chuck some of the breakfast bagel she'd been picking at Denzel's way. He caught it with his mouth.
"Don't stress," Hailey piped in. "You'll do fine."
Tina chuckled through her skepticism.
"You actually pay attention in class." Hailey paused fixing her lip stain to reference the open books Tina had cocooned herself with. "And with B by your side, you're sure to make it to the end." Brandon chuffed. "Anyway, Mo, we gotta go if you want to get any practice in tonight."
"What are y'all doing?" Tina asked, facing the twilight beyond the window.
"Someone promised Denzel help with stabilizing his telekinesis. She thinks she can troubleshoot him with her aura reading."
"A compelling theory." Roscoe rubbed his chin.
As her group filed out the booth, the Franklin girl packed her things and brought up the rear, some books she wanted to focus on as soon as she got home at her hip.
Before the glass doors, the girl fumbled with the texts when she heard her phone chime. Realizing she couldn't fish the thing from her back pocket, she looked for a friend to discover they'd all left.
Suddenly, Tina felt something solid collide with her.
"Oops, my bad," a man apologized in an ethereal voice. "I wasn't watching where I was going, sorry."
"No, no. It was my fault." Tina felt her face flush. Retrieving her scattered belongings, she felt like everyone's eyes were on her.
Dummy, why'd you'd stand in front of the door?
The guy stooped down, picked up a red notebook that'd tumbled his way. Standing, he apologized again, "I'm really sorry."
"No hard feelings." Tina straightened and reached for her book when the man suddenly seized her right hand.
"Excuse you!" The teen reclaimed her limb.
The man recoiled and apologized.
"Just give me my-" Tina looked up, into piercing azure eyes, sapphire morning glories that immediately simmered her temper.
The bronzed stranger continued his profuse apologizes, finally finishing with, "...I was just surprised."
Tina cocked a brow, watched the man blush a warm peach.
Weirdo.
"It's just, your ring"—the man smiled forlornly—"It's beautifully crafted, unique."
Tina examined her hand. Though the years had worn the engraved heart and staggered lines on either side, the jewelry still sparkled with love. It remained a memento of someone kind, a best friend, a first crush.
"Thanks," Tina said, truly touched. "It was a gift, customized." Offering her hand again, she expected the guy to finally return her notebook.
"A gift? Customized?"
YOU ARE READING
Obey
RomanceWhat would you do if someone had complete control over your life? Would you roll over and take their orders, or would you fight back? In this world, bonded Protecteds have absolute control over their Guardians, some utilizing their powers sparingly...
