Page 55 of Devious Knight

“Probation?” Meaning I could still be expelled. “What will that involve?”

“Good grades and good behavior, which leads me to the next item on my agenda. Mr. Gurkovsky has stated that he won’t be pressing charges for what you did to his motorcycle.”

I could almost laugh. Of course he’s not pressing charges because he wants to keep me trapped at Raventhorn. If he pressed charges that would push the odds in favor of my expulsion.

“Really?” I feign ignorance.

“Yes, really. I think that was quite generous of him.”

“He destroyed my sculpture.” My tone is sharp. Too sharp in relation to whom I’m speaking to.

Aleksander gives me a narrowed look and I can see just how much he dislikes me. “There is no evidence that Kade did that, so I can’t hold him liable based only on your word.”

Oh my God. This isn’t happening. “But he did it, and he’s been stalking me. That’s why I did what I did. Don’t you think it’s strange that he’s letting me off the hook when I completely destroyed his bike?”

“That is none of my concern. I deal with facts, not speculation.”

“But the cameras?—”

“Are blank.”

Damn it to hell.

My body suddenly feels heavy. Like someone just poured a vat of lead into my veins. Kade tampered with the cameras. Why did I think he’d leave evidence behind to prove his guilt?

“I understand you were in the process of transferring to Cambridge.”

“Yes, however the destruction of my sculpture invalidates my application.”

“I’m aware of that. Since it’s clear that someone did destroy your work, an investigation will be carried out. As your father is a valued member of my team, I will also submit a pass of extenuating circumstances, so you won’t have to retake the admission test for Cambridge. You will only need to redo your sculpture and the interview with the new Lord Chancellor. But you’d be looking at a September start date if you’re accepted.”

Great. Everything has gone to hell. And I don’t have any good feelings about this but at least it’s a spark of hope. The last thing I want to do is burn the bridge to Cambridge and my future chances—if I have any—of working with Christian Degas.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“As for Kade Gurkovsky, I’m also placing you on compensation service for the rest of the school year.”

Compensation service? I’ve never heard of that before. “What does that mean?”

“You will assist him in whatever he needs and be available to him whenever he needs you.”

The air whooshes out of my lungs and I blink several times. “Like a servant?” Or a prisoner.

“Call it whatever you wish. Kade Gurkovsky is a member of my elite group, so while he let you off the hook for whatever reason, I won’t stand for what you did. Be grateful I haven’t decided on a much worse punishment for you. You’re only saved because your actions didn’t cause more damage, but they could have. Am I understood?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Jesus. This isn’t happening. So much for dealing with my bully myself.

Kade knew this would happen. That’s why he said I fell into his trap.

I did.

Now he really owns me.

I make my way back to my apartment feeling like hell. People glance at me as I walk by and whispers ripple all around me.

I ignore everything. Everything that’s happening outside Kade and me is the least of my worries.

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