Page 18 of Ruined Wolfsbane

I hear what sounds like a groan from Malachi. When I look up, his face is impassive. I must’ve misheard it.

“Oh my God! This is amazing,” I say between bites.

At my praise, he breaks out into a small, genuine smile. “Glad you like it. I can’t take credit for the food. Our chef made it.”

He has a chef? I didn’t realize being a professor paid that well. WHU is fancy, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at how much professors make here.

We eat the rest of our lunch while chatting about mundane things. As we finish, Malachi frowns at the clock. “I have a class at two. I need to head out. You’re welcome to hang out here while I’m in class.”

I’ve taken up enough of his time. Shaking my head, I lie, “Thank you. I would, but I need to get home. Thanks again for lunch.”

“Anytime, Briar. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then, Professor.” No matter how much I’ve enjoyed his company, I need to remember that he’s my professor. That’s all Malachi Grimm can ever be to me.

CHAPTER 9

BRIAR

The rest of the week and weekend passes by uneventfully. Patrick’s not home, so I have some time to recover.

Monday rolls around, and I’m nervous. I’m not nervous about classes but about being alone with Xander Grimm. He’s much more reserved than his twin or older brother. Xander seems to barely tolerate me. I doubt he’s thrilled about spending his Monday afternoons with me.

“You like beef wellington?” Rory interrupts my thoughts as she gets back from the buffet. She flops into her chair and shoves her tray my way. “I got that and sea bass. Choose the one that floats your boat.”

“You’re not going to pretend you got extra by accident?” I ask, eyeing the beef wellington regretfully. It looks amazing, but I can’t keep mooching off them.

“Nope. We’re besties now. BFFs can buy each other lunch for no reason.” Rory stares me down, daring me to disagree with her.

“I appreciate it, but you really don’t need to spend your money on me. I’m fine.” I’m not fine, but she doesn’t need to know that. Patrick allows me to eat enough not to starve but never enough to be full. I’ve gotten spoiled by Rory and Ronan giving me full lunches and even dinners on some days.

“Is that what you’re worried about, girlie? ’Cause our parents are fucking loaded. Like, wiping our asses with $100 bills loaded. Buying you lunch doesn’t even make a dent in the disgusting amount of money we have.”

Her family sounds like they’re even wealthier than Patrick. My resolve crumbles a little at that. Maybe it’s not a big deal for me to accept Ronan’s and Rory’s generosity. Besides, when I get access to my trust fund, I can pay them back and then some.

Sensing I’m wavering, Rory gives me puppy dog eyes. Sighing, I give in. “Fine, but I’ll pay you back. I swear.”

“Yay!” Rory pumps her fist in the air, like she won a competition. A smile tugs at my lips at her genuine joy.

“How’d your parents make their money?” I ask, shoving a delicious bite of beef wellington in my mouth. No school should have food this good.

Patrick supposedly made his through his shipping business. I guess ferrying containers to and from China makes a ton of money. I’m not convinced he’s not into something shadier like drugs or weapons.

“Hookers and blow, how else?” Rory deadpans.

I choke on a bite of my food at her answer. Holy fuck. I don’t think she’s supposed to be telling people that.

As I open and close my mouth a few times, trying to figure out what to say, Rory dissolves into giggles. “Oh my God! You should have seen your face! I totally had you goin’ for a hot sec!” Even Ronan is grinning at me.

I throw a wadded-up napkin at Rory, while trying to keep a straight face. Rory’s laughter is infectious. I can’t help but join in. It feels good to laugh. I can’t remember the last time I laughed with anyone other than Ava. If I’m not careful, I could get addicted to this whole “having friends” thing.

As our laughter subsides, Rory finally answers me. “Our dad is a mega-successful hedge fund manager. Our mom’s super old money. Together they’re rollin’ in dough.”

“What do your parents do, Briar?” Ronan asks me quietly. Calm and quiet seems to be Ronan’s default setting.

A lump forms in my throat thinking about my mom. I swallow it down and croak, “My stepdad runs a shipping company. My mom’s old money.” I need to get it under control. I can’t be close to tears every time I have to talk about my mom. I’m trying to seem normal, not pathetic.

Rory and Ronan tear through my walls a little more by not asking about it. With my mom being old money, I shouldn’t need any financial help. Rather than questioning it, Rory smoothly changes the topic.

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