Page 16 of Dare To Break

The fact she’s fallen asleep in my car, without a care in the world after the threats I made at the restaurant, pisses me off. The closer we get to the school, the more my jaw clenches and I throw her angry glances, until fury bubbles beneath my skin and I slam on the brakes to throw her out.

Even then, she fights me, defiance pouring from her until I corral her against the side of my car and let her feel how hard she’s making my dick. The spark in her eyes falters, and she drops her gaze from mine.

Good. But you’re too late because now you’re fucking walking.

I might have let her convince me to allow her back in my car if she hadn’t put up such a fight, but she did, so fuck her. My gaze stays on her retreating form in the reflection of my mirror until she’s out of sight.

I lied about the academy being two miles. It’s closer to one, but it serves her fucking right. She can walk it and discover what happens when she’s not on time for her scheduled arrival.

Kellan is sitting on the steps leading up to the main doors when I drive past and turn into the student parking lot. People jump out of my way when I show no sign of slowing down, and I eventually find my favorite parking spot, next to Kellan’s car, and cut off the engine.

Less than a minute later, my passenger door opens and Kellan climbs in. He leans over the seat to look in the back. “Where’s your new sister?”

“Step-fucking-sister.” I give him a tight smile. “Dropped her off a mile down the road. Stupid bitch fell asleep on the drive.”

“The gates lock in ten minutes.”

I shrug. “Not my problem.” I unclip my seatbelt and throw open the door. “Did you figure out who she’s rooming with?”

“Not yet.”

“Fuck’s sake, Kell. Do I have to do everything myself?”

“My, someone is snappy today.” Unfortunately, my snarling and snapping doesn’t bother Kellan. He’s not scared of me at all. “Just wait until she moves in, then you’ll have your answer.”

I shake my head and get out of the car. People stop talking as I walk past them. I ignore them. Kellan jogs to keep up with me.

“What’s the hurry?”

“I want to get inside.” I take the steps to the main doors two at a time.

No one greets me. No one waves. Everyone just stares … Well, until I meet their gazes. Then they suddenly discover they have something else to look at. I’m okay with that. I’m not one of the popular kids. I’m not a jock. I don’t belong with the emos, or the nerds, or any other group that gravitates toward each other. None of them associate with me. There’s me … and there’s Kellan. Our own little clique, which sits outside of all the others. And that suits me just fine.

I don’t slow my pace until I’m at the door to the room I share with Kellan. I swing my head to look at him. “Key?”

He places it into my waiting palm, and I unlock the door and walk in. The tension leaves my shoulders as soon as the door closes behind me, and I throw back my head and suck in a deep breath.

This is my sanctuary, my space. Even more so than my bedroom at home. No one ventures in here without an invitation. And those are never given out. I toss my bag onto the bed and turn to face my friend.

“I want you to be the one to meet her when she arrives. Show her a friendly face, and help her with her bags.”

He frowns. “I thought we—”

“We will, but first, I want her to get comfortable.” My lips curl up. “And then the game will begin.”

“But I don’t know what she looks like.”

I drop onto my bed and stretch out, tucking my hands behind my head, and I smile at the ceiling. “She looks like a fucking angel. All blonde hair, big eyes, and virgin vibes.” I roll my head sideways. “But don’t let that pretty outer shell fool you. Beneath the beauty, she’s as ugly as her mother.”

My finger taps play on my music, and I drown out whatever Kellan is going to say with the sound of ‘Nails’ by Call Me Karizma.

He stares at me for a moment longer, then turns and leaves the room. I know he’ll do what I tell him. Kellan enjoys getting inside people’s heads as much as I do. It’s why we’re friends.

He’s the only friend you’ve got.

I tune out the voice in my head and close my eyes. I don’t need any other friends.

I must have fallen asleep because when I next open my eyes, the room is in darkness. I’m not surprised. I rarely sleep at home. And it’s been three months since I was last here. My body is going to want to catch up on the rest I missed. My music must have stopped hours ago. The only sound in the room is Kellan snoring.

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