Clinging to Lust √

Making A Hurricane

Kill her. Kill her now. The dude had an English accent ... like Idris fucking Elba.

"Uh, hi." She shook his offered hand. "They call me Syden."

He knelt down next to her and pulled out a thin sleeping bag, which he proceeded to open up on the ground. "So what are you studying there, Syden? I couldn't help but notice the encyclopedia sized book that you're hugging."

"Medical student. I have an exam coming up in four days. No big deal." She fingered the pages of her summary in a nervous gesture.

"I see. Good luck to you. I'm just going to lie down here until they need my help." Propping a small pillow under his head, he went horizontal on top of the sleeping bag.

"They?"

"Yes. I'm here to volunteer my services."

"You don't look like the volunteering type." She shifted position until she was looking right down at him.

Bad move, because now his intense dark eyes were focused solely on her.

The corners of his lips curved into a small smile. "What makes you say that?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. Just a hunch."

"I guess you're right. I'm on the path of redemption. Doing good deeds to make up for my past sins." He turned his eyes away from her and stared up at the ceiling.

So mysterious. She liked that kind of stuff so she prodded him. "What kind of sins? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'm an ex-con. That's all you need to know."

"Did you kill someone?"

"No. I did not."

Okay. "Did you rob a b–"

"How important is this exam to you?" he demanded. "Pretty important, I'm sure. When I chose this corner, it was because I didn't want to be harassed. I thought sitting next to the quiet looking girl with the book and the headphones would give me the peace that I so desperately crave. Guess I was wrong."

Well damn. Syden bit down on her lip. That's what she got for being too curious. "I'm sorry."

He waved away her apology, crossed his arms behind his head, and closed his eyes.

Oh, the gall.

And he was right. She needed to study because as usual, she had started way too late. But there was still time left. She had every intention of passing this exam. Otherwise, she could kiss her internship at the Medical Center goodbye.

Pouting, she focused back on the papers on her lap. She did her best to ignore the splashes of red juice, but deep down inside she couldn't help but curse that little boy to hell and back. Damn little brats.

The wind outside picked up force. Tree branches scraped along the windows and the swing seats in the playground squeaked on their swing hangers. Somewhere behind her, somebody coughed. In yet another corner, a child whimpered. A hard object banged against the metal bars and several people screamed.