Page 77 of The Kingdom of Ruin

Yesterday…was a lot of dick. Good dick, I can admit that, at least, but I can’t continue to be distracted like this. If my father and Nora could see me now, they would definitely have different opinions. My father despises distractions of any kind, and even though he wouldn’t be aware of what, or who, is distracting me, he would sense it. While Nora would be high-fiving me, desperate for all the details over cake and a rerun of her favorite movies.

Instead, I’m left trying to figure out how I’m going to handle all of this by myself. After a restless night, I’m opting to bury my head in the sand and hope nobody sees. Although, I’m aware someone stepped into the bathroom last night. I don’t know how much they saw, but I’m sure it was enough.

I cringe, pinching the bridge of my nose in irritation as a knock sounds from the door.

Dammit.

I can’t avoid whoever it is. I've spent so much time procrastinating that I’m barely going to make breakfast, and all of the extra physical activity has me starving.

Moving toward the door, I press my hand against the wood, but they speak before I can try to piece together who it is.

“Come on, Addi. I know you’re in there.”

Flora.

Taking a deep breath, I swing the door open with the best smile I can muster plastered to my face. “Hey.”

“We’re not going to be able to eat if we don’t go now,” Arlo states from behind her, glancing at his watch, and I join them out in the hallway.

“I’m ready.”

We head downstairs in comfortable silence. The building is quiet since it’s later than usual. Everyone will either be in the dining hall or heading for their first class.

I sigh with relief as we make it outside without someone calling me out for the bathroom last night, then Arlo clears his throat.

“So, are we going to talk about the elephant in the room? Or should I say air?” He points around, indicating we’re outside.

My pulse quickens with panic as I try to keep my response as calm and collected as possible. “What elephant?”

Flora whacks Arlo in the chest, but he just chuckles as he wiggles his brows at me. “About what the bathroom is supposed to be used for.”

My eyes widen in horror. “Oh my gosh, did you walk in?”

His nose crinkles. “What? No!”

I frown. “Then how…”

“Honey, you are not quiet,” he states with a wink, and I can feel the color already draining from my face as I stop, shying away from them both with my head in my hands.

“Oh, fuck,” I grumble under my breath, but it seems Arlo is eager for more gossip.

“Who was the lucky guy?”

“We’re not having this conversation,” I state, lifting my face as I point a finger at him.

“Okay, lips are sealed,” Flora promises. “But if you do need to talk about anything, I’m here,” she adds. Arlo opens his mouth again, but she claps her hand over it, effectively shutting him up, and I grin.

“Thanks, Flora.”

“No worries. Ignore Arlo’s teasing. He’s just jealous the girls aren’t tripping all over him here like they do back home.”

“If you say so,” he retorts, winking at her, and I watch in amusement as her cheeks turn pink.

Thankfully, Arlo doesn’t try to push for more as we head over to the dining hall. Stepping inside, I’m praying to anyone that will listen that the assholes plaguing my thoughts and life are nowhere to be seen, but the moment I step through the doors, my gaze locks on theirs.

Brody and Cassian are sitting side by side, with Raiden and Kryll across from them.

I can avoid them. I know I can. Turning, I move toward the food trays, but an arm drapes around my shoulder, pulling me into their side and redirecting me. I’m not surprised to find it’s Brody who’s making the first move, like the whole fucking room isn’t watching.

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