Page 24 of King

Moving out the door, I listen out for Damien’s voice. After a few seconds, I hear the low rumble from a distance. “Do you at least have time to talk a little business?”

With my back pressed against the wall like I’m in a Charlie’s Angel movie, I take a peek around the corner. They have their backs to me and I breathe a breath of relief. I’m not usually much of an eavesdropper, but I can’t get what Damien said out of my head. I want to find out more.

I need to know more.

His dad chuckles, “If it doesn’t include drugs or girls.”

“Why would I include that?” I can’t tell if Damien’s being sarcastic or not.

“Because that’s all you’re ever interested in. Why don’t we discuss this over an early dinner? Before my flight to California?” He puts an arm around Damien. “Bring Lea and that new Rowland girl.”

Damien takes a step back just as I do, and when I return my gaze, he’s looking up at his dad. “Why the fuck would I do that?”

“Language, Damien. Cindy says she’s new and I thought we’d give her a good Eden Gardens introduction.”

“I have plans tonight.”

“Plans huh? Something tells me it involves my empty home.” Sebastien takes a few steps towards the end of the hallway. Damien doesn't follow. His dad turns around and I move back so he doesn’t see my face. “Well, if you do see that Rowland girl, do make her feel welcome."

“Well, what have I found?” A deep voice is in my ear and when I step away, Isaac is peeking down the hall.

“Trouble if that’s what you’re looking for.” I shoot him a glare.

He looks down at my skirt and when he chuckles, I realize who was sharing that bottle with Damien. “An ass like that? Definitely trouble.”

Isaac staggers before he leans his back against the wall, his eyes on my behind. He’s almost as tall as Damien. Lankier. His long narrow jawline gives him a modelesque smile, scruff on his face. He’s cute but, “You’re just like them aren’t you?” Keeping my voice low, it’s almost a whisper in case Damien and his dad can hear. “An entitled asshole?”

He laughs, and the dimples in his cheek make another argument for his good looks. “We may seem alike but we’re not. They might be Kings but I’m a god. Have you ever been with a god, Medusa?”

At least he doesn’t call me Joelle. “If they’re anything like you I don’t ever plan on it.”

“Dad!” Damien’s voice booms down the hall.

Isaac takes another look around the corner. I pull him back, in case he gets me caught and he cocks an eyebrow with a sly smile. “Are you being a sexy spy? If Damien catches you, he’ll want to have some fun with his prey.”

He reaches for my skirt and I push his hand away. “You might want to grab some coffee.” God, is everyone in Eden grabby? Or drunk?

“Don’t deflect.” He puts his weight against the wall, crossing his arms.

“If you must know, I was in the Headmaster’s office, thanks to your pals and her merry band of Trust Fund Trolls.”

He laughs, shaking his head, “I still don’t get why she has such a fucking hardon for that asshole.”

Now I’m lifting an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me this is all because of Damien.”

Isaac shrugs, “Then I won’t.” He runs a finger under my jaw, my cheeks burning before turning around, his hands in his pockets. “It’s a shame you’re on his blacklist, would have loved to see you tonight.” He gives me a salute with two fingers before sauntering away with a stagger.

Something falls out of his pocket, a small baggie. Walking up to its place, I pick it up, about to call his name before I realize what’s inside. Weed.

Well, this day just got a whole lot better. Thank you Queen Jesus because I just found a better way to spend the second period.

Jetting towards an exit, I'm like Charlie with the golden ticket. I know more about finding a safe spot to smoke than solving an algebraic equation anyway. I'm happy I brought my Jansport. I still have papers in my backpack from when I used to smoke with Zane and the guys.

Following the exit signs, I turn down a darker, smellier hallway. The stone wall changes to green painted brick, an ERA Eagles mural on one side. The hallway gets chattier as I pass by a room with green lockers. Christian comes into view, he’s walking with his hockey stick and he’s got half of his hockey gear on. I’ll admit he looks damn sexy in it, other team members moving around him.

He stops, giving me a smile and a wink that makes something flutter in my stomach. Since he knows I’m there I figure it’s best to keep it moving before his coach finds me too. Another few feet and I'm pushing through a metal door that leads to the garden Allie showed me earlier.

I keep walking until I’m behind one of the large buildings near the back of the property. There’s a shaded patch under a tall tree with a thick stump. That’s where I’ll take advantage of this opportunity. It seems to be out of sight of any windows, teachers or classes.

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