Chapter 123

Amanda didn’t notice Violet at first, her expression dazed, obviously still basking in the blissful aftermath of whatever had transpired in that office. Violet silently prayed it would stay that way, hoping to remain invisible until Amanda left.
But luck wasn’t on her side. A girl her size was not exactly inconspicuous and Amanda’s eyes landed on her, her gaze narrowing at once.
And here it comes. Violet braced herself internally, her mind preparing for the inevitable confrontation. Amanda crossed the space between them in just two strides.
As the distance closed, Violet was already prepared for a slap, or two. She deserved it, after all. She had kissed Amanda’s boyfriend, and had it not been for Alaric’s interference, it could’ve gone much further.
Instead, Amanda placed both hands firmly on her shoulders and Violet stood ramrod straight, every muscle in her body coiled, her heart pounding as she awaited the painful blow. But instead of striking her, Amanda did something completely unexpected. She pulled Violet into a hug.
What?
Violet froze, utterly flabbergasted. Her arms remained stiff at her sides, her brain short-circuiting as she tried to process what was happening.
Amanda pulled back slightly, only to plant a kiss on Violet’s cheek. And that was enough to snap her out of her shock, and she stumbled back, flustered and utterly confused.
Amanda, however, seemed entirely unbothered. She burst into a fit of giggles, her laughter light and carefree, like someone high on drugs. Except in her case, it was sex hormones or was it?
“I said I was going to deal with you for embarrassing me,” She began, her words spilling out between giggles. “But boy, was I wrong. So thank you instead for freeing me from that bondage.” She pulled Violet into another hug, squeezing the life out of her lungs.
Violet stood there stiffly, letting Amanda do whatever she wanted, her mind reeling. None of this made sense.
Then Amanda leaned in, her lips close to Violet’s ear as she whispered with delight, “You should go in. He’s waiting for you. Piece of advice? Choose doggy style, he hits it differently.”
Wait, what?
Violet jerked back immediately, her face scrunching in disgust and disbelief. By the moon, did Amanda actually think she was here to… No, thank you. That would happen over her dead body.
“I think you’re mistaken,” Violet began, panicking a little. “I’m only here for my—”
Amanda waved her off, cutting her short. “Don’t forget to tell me all the details later! Good luck!” She fluffed her hair and sauntered off, her confidence radiating as she strutted down the hallway, still high on her victory lap.
Violet stared after Amanda’s retreating figure with a look of confusion and horror. What in the name of the creator was happening in this school?
Perhaps due to Amanda’s unsettling insinuation, Violet didn’t dare to go in immediately. She gave it time for things to cool off. Moreover, she was not about to go in there and let her nose get assaulted by the scent of sex probably reeking in the air.
It wasn’t until about ten minutes later that Violet decided enough time had passed. She glanced at her phone, realizing her session time was nearly up. She figured she’d apologize for walking in on…thatand hope he’d reschedule the session for another week.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Violet cautiously pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her gaze immediately locked onto Mr. Richmond’s, and her heart nearly leaped out of her chest. He was sitting at his desk, arms folded across his broad chest, staring at her as though he’d been expecting her.
Even now, there was something about the man that set her senses on edge. She could feel this darkness around him, his gaze unnerving. Thankfully, he was dressed this time, though the fabric of his shirt clung to his muscular frame so tightly that she half-worried it might tear if he so much as moved.
Richmond was the first to break the silence, his deep voice reverberating through the room. “Is this a new tactic, or what? Keeping me waiting?”
“Oh…sorry, ” Violet’s face fell, embarrassment flooding her as she realized she’d wasted part of their counseling session. Or so she thought.
“Take your clothes off then,” he said abruptly.
“Eeh?” Violet’s ears rang, her eyes widening in utter shock. Confusion and disbelief etched themselves across her features.What in the name of all hullabaloo is going on here?
Richmond, meanwhile, had already risen to his feet, unbuttoning his shirt as if that was normal. “I’m not in the mood for games, purple head. So don’t waste my time either. Let’s get this over with.”
He finished unbuttoning his shirt, his hands moving to slide it off when Violet’s voice burst out in panic. “I think you’re mistaken here!”
Richmond paused mid-motion, one eyebrow arching as he studied her. “What are you talking about?”
Grasping the opportunity, Violet quickly explained, “I’m here for the counseling session I missed. Not… whatever this is.” She gestured vaguely around the room.
The realization dawned on Richmond’s face like a storm cloud clearing. His expression darkened momentarily before he muttered under his breath, “Those fucking delinquents…”
He finally pieced it all together, and Violet couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief as the tension eased. Immediately, Richmond began buttoning up his shirt again, his face tinged with faint embarrassment.
“My apologies,” he said gruffly. “I should have realized something was off, especially when you came in smelling like thunder boy.”
Violet went red instantly, her hands subtly lowering to sniff herself, but she smelled nothing out of the ordinary. The comment was both bizarre and humiliating.
Trying to recover, she quickly asked, “I don’t understand. You’re a staff member here, a counselor. Yet you’re… offering yourself to students like…” Her words trailed off as she realized how harsh they sounded.
“A whore, you mean to say?” Richmond finished for her with a curl of his lips. “But that’s too feminine. I’d say… a fuck boy. Better, aye?”
Violet swallowed hard. “I don’t—”
“Usually, I’d get mad at someone throwing shade at my nature,” he interrupted smoothly, his tone almost sweet. “But you seem completely clueless, so I’ll let it forgive you this time.”
“Forgive me for what? I don’t understand what’s going on here,” Violet said, now annoyed at the way he made it seem like she did something wrong. “Is there something I’m supposed to know?”
Richmond’s expression shifted, a dangerous glint sparking in his eyes. “Yes, honey. There’s something you’re supposed to know. So watch carefully.”
Violet tensed, every muscle in her body coiling as she braced herself for whatever he was about to show. And then it happened.
In the blink of an eye, Richmond’s eyes turned pitch black, completely devoid of whites or pupils, like twin voids staring back at her.
Violet’s breath caught in her throat, a startled yelp escaping her as she stumbled back, her back hitting the wall.
What the hell.