Page 7 of Forbidden Flesh

He winces. “Not…those same classes, and it’s not at…Ohio.”

“Where?” I ask, confused.

“Kenyan.”

It feels like all the air has left my lungs. My heart is hammering inside my chest. Kenyan? How the hell...

“Victoria?”

He nods and hands me the folder. “Alaric is one of the founders and talked to the Bedford twins and got final approval from the founding families. It was all arranged. I told them Ohio State didn’t take what happened with Zack too well and how he blamed you for getting him kicked off the team.”

“They made an exception for me?” I look up. “A favor?”

“Yeah. You don’t have to worry about paying tuition. They have the same classes, but better. Kenyan is an Ivy League school, Melody. It’s the ideal opportunity.” He takes a breath. “Screw Ohio. Kenyan can open doors that Ohio could never do for you.”

I look over the admissions papers. All that is great, but I’ve heard the rumors about the way rich guys treat the less privileged.

I have a scholarship I never applied for. Classes I never selected. It’s like I never missed school. Then a thought pops into my head. The memory of him. The memory of his scent is like a flame burning in my skull.

“What if the guys from Ohio...”

“They can’t do anything to you, Kenyan.” He lowers his voice, like he’s telling me a secret. “Valen Vikiar is a senior.”

“I know who that––”

“Stay away from him, Melody,” he warns. “He’s changed since I first met him. He’s older. He’s not...”

“Not like the guys I’m used to. Victoria told me a couple of things about the guys from Kenyan.”

“I’m sure she has, but not about Valen.” He steps closer. “Promise me, Melody. This was the only way I could help you without involving Mom and Dad. I don’t have the money for you to go anywhere else. I still have two years left before I can go pro if I get drafted or get a job.”

“You didn’t have to––”

“I did it because I love you. I did it because that is what an older brother does when his sister messes up.”

“Gee, thanks,” I say sarcastically.

He sighs. “I didn’t mean it in a judgmental way. You’re not the first girl to pick the wrong guy and get caught up.”If you only knew.“I don’t want you to think you did anything wrong.”

“You just said I did,” I point out. “You said I messed up.”

He pinches his nose. “Don’t…”

“Okay, fine. Valen Vikiar is off-limits,” I say slowly.

“His friends, too. Scratch that. The whole swim team is off-limits. Don’t go near them. They are not…”

“What I’m used to.”

“If you think guys like Zack are bad, you have no idea what these guys are capable of.”

“You mean Valen?”

“Especially him.”

I raise my hands with my palms facing up. “Alright. Valen. Swim team. Stay away. Got it.”

“I’m serious, Melody. You’re a freshman, and this is your last opportunity.”

---