Page 10 of Heirs of Havoc

“What is she on?”

“I thought she was one of the good ones.”

Steadying my steps, the only way to get to my dorms is through the crowd, but in this outfit, I’m a showstopper. I spent the last couple of months being perfect. Straight grades, volunteering, going to church. I can’t let it all come crashing down like this.

They won’t get to me.

You deserve it.

“Harlot!” a yell warbles through my head, my chest tightening but I keep moving.

This is a unique campus, but it’s still a campus. Everyone will forget what happened by tomorrow. As I pass the gold crosses and statues of Jesus, it reminds me that’s not likely. Getting closer to the main buildings, extensive stone structures with pillars and arches, it’s clear how much I stand out.

Almost there.

The sign for the dorms comes into view as my pace quickens. The twins knew what they were doing when they dropped me off at the edge of campus. Humiliating me.

There’s no one to blame but yourself.

Avoiding eye contact, I’m almost at the door of the dorms when… “Oof!” My chest hits something.

Or someone.

“Miss Marshall?”

Shit. That’s me. At least to this school it is. No way would I apply with my real last name. Too risky. Too stupid. The twins know it.

Raking my eyes up to a white shirt tucked inside a green patchy blazer, I meet the stern stare of Dean McQueen.

Oh, fuck ...

He crosses his arms, his brows lowered as whispers come from around me. “Why don’t you come with me to my office?”

* * *

“I should expel you."

Dean McQueen's SAA Athletics sweater covers my body, but the hood on my head doesn't help me disappear. His office only reminds me of the sin I’ve committed, Bible verses and biblical art on the walls.

“Your track record here is the only reason I don’t.” McQueen leans against his desk, crossing his arms. He’s young for a dean, but the wrinkles on his head and the scruff on his face make him look like a tired dad. “Did something happen?”

“If you spill anything, we’ll tell everyone just who the fuck you really are, Mia Merlo.”

Pulling my knees to my chest, I hang my head, avoiding McQueen’s frown.

He sighs, taking my silence as an answer. “I know you’re not used to Clementine, but this isn’t the usual university experience. We operate on godliness, cleanliness, and humility. That means no nudity on campus. No drinking or drugs. No sexual relations or public displays of affection at any costs. With Lucie Lozano and Milo Murphy running the church, this campus is finally blossoming. We’ve even had to bring in new TAs for the influx of students and I will not allow it to go down with immoral behaviour.” He pounds his fist against his wooden desk.

My feet fall to the floor. The image of those bleached blonde tips in my mind is enough to make me forget about the twins. “Was uh, was William Romano one of those TAs?” My hands grip the wooden arms of the chair as McQueen’s brows furrow. "The teacher assistants you hired?"

“What does—” His fingers come to the bridge of his nose like he’s questioning his life decisions. And hell, so am I. This school is the only thing I wanted. And now, it’s hanging by floss. “No, we did not.”

My back collapses against the chair. “This won’t happen again, Dean McQueen. I promise you.”

“I’m sure of it,” he says. “Because if it does, we’ll revoke your acceptance.”

* * *

“Wow, Mia, didn’t know you were such a heathen.”

---