Aaron turns to me when Eric begins the introduction. He eyes me carefully, while I search for any sign of recognition on his face. There is a good chance there won't be any. We hardly spent any time in each other's company. So I doubt that I've made any lasting impression.
" This is Miss Lily Abernathy. You'll keep her company during her training sessions with Mr Kinnaird," Aaron frowns and turns to Eric observing his expression for a few seconds.
" My understanding is that Miss Abernathy has been under Mason's care for a good few years. This seems to be a bit extreme. She is not in danger, is she?" Aaron seems to be well-informed, but I guess I'm not as elusive as I thought since the mountain standing at my side has fairly good knowledge of my past.
Eric clears his throat, uncomfortable, " There has been a new development," He begins, his gaze lands on me," Miss Abernathy has developed an unconventional relationship with Mason," Sure, we can call it that.
Aaron doesn't even blink at the statement," Meaning?" He presses further, and I can see Eric's discomfort growing exponentially in a matter of seconds. He doesn't answer.
" I need to understand the nature of this unconventional relationship and my role. Am I here to protect her from an imminent threat? That seems a bit unnecessary, since Mason is perfectly capable of doing that himself," Eric takes a deep breath, clearly defeated. It seems that he will have to divulge after all the reasons behind this assignment. If I'm miserable, I find some comfort in the fact that Eric is looking a few seconds away from dry heaving in his waste basket.
" Miss Abernathy and Mason have a shared past," Still skirting the truth.
" We were in a relationship. But sadly we still have to train together. What Mr Garouche is trying and failing epically to explain is that your presence during training sessions will ensure that our time together is focused on training rather than fondling our private bits," Both men look at me, wide eyes, in disbelief.
Was I crude? Sure, maybe a tiny bit. But in my defence, this conversation is embarrassing enough, no need to make it awkward by dragging it out.
You'd think that we are a bunch of ten-year-olds while our parents are giving us the birds and the bees talk.
" Have I misspoken?" I ask, biting down a smile. If Eric thinks he will make my life hard. I'll make his harder.
Both men clear their throats, "Uhm...no," Eric says, " I find it surprising that you've decided to take accountability for your actions," Let's translate that. I'm shocked, and I can't think of an eloquent answer.
" I don't remember a time when I didn't. And also, you did give me a great speech about it when I started the academy. So let's just say, I'm implementing what was taught to me. Now, if we could move things along, that would be absolutely wonderful, " I say while, Aaron shifts on his feet, slightly fidgety.
" So," He sighs, and rolls his lips between his teeth, " You managed to tame the old fox," Aaron smirks and Eric clears his throat in an attempt to draw Aaron's attention.
" Aaron, this is a respectable institution. We do not condone Miss Abernathy's and Mason's behaviour. There are aspects of this situation that you are unfamiliar with," Eric sternly says, but he is losing ground because Aaron doesn't seem to give a toss. If the smile on his lips is anything to go by.
" I don't think there is one single person in the districts unaware of the whirlwind romance between Mason and Ava. Never dated but yet engaged overnight. And I know for a fact that Mason doesn't like the girl. Honestly, I'm shocked that you haven't taken the time to check with your friend first before dragging Lily here into your office," Aaron stops speaking when Eric sighs and looks up at the ceiling. I know he is looking for divine intervention.
" This is a different matter. A scandal in the making. I cannot jeopardise our reputation to soothe my friend's bleeding heart. You know this," That sounds more like a plea than anything else.
" I do, but sadly for you, babysitting is not in my job description. Now, if you don't mind, I have more important things that require my attention. A whole village has been marked just north of Queenieborough, and I expect a fully-fledged invasion in the next few days. This," He waves a hand in my direction, " Pales in comparison to that. You want so badly to keep them on a leash. Do it yourself," Aaron turns to me, and sighs, " Miss Abernathy very nice meeting you," He takes my hand in his and kisses the back of it. I see Eric roll his eyes over Aaron's shoulder just as he bends down, and I can't help the smirk tugging at my lips.
" Eric," He shakes Eric's hand, who looks completely out of his depth, " Send my best to Emmeline and the girls. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go," He turns on his heels, leaving Eric gaping at his retreating.
This is fun.
The ensuing silence is loud. I know it doesn't make any sense, but damn. It's so quiet that I can hear the way the fabric of Eric's suit brushes together, making that swishing sound.
" What time does your training session begin?" Eric asks, tucking his hands in the pockets of his suit trousers.
" Nine," I say calmly. Aaron might've refused to babysit Mason and I, but I think we are stuck with a worse option if Eric decides to take on that role.
" See you at nine, Miss Abernathy. You're dismissed," Bollocks.