Page 27 of Plaything

Collin didn’t respond; he just looked sternly at Reesia, but she was too busy looking at me.

What was going on?

“That’s too bad,” Reesia stood up, quickly walking around the table to my side. Her height was drastically shorter than mine, her head reaching the bottom of my chin. It wasn’t anything new for me; I was used to being taller than most people.

She grabbed my hand, and I widened my eyes, slightly shifting my body away from her. Was she medically insane? “You really are so pretty,” she smiled at me, her grin somewhat evil.

I was holding my breath, embarrassment crimson red on my cheeks. Wyatt has his head in his hands, slightly shaking it. I definitely felt the same way. This was uncomfortable.

Reesia leaned forward, narrowing her eyes on Dominic, who glared at her. “Isn’t she pretty?” She pushed.

I pressed my lips together, slowly turning to Reesia. Girl. I looked at her eyes, trying to see any sign of redness, hoping that she was either on hard drugs or drunk. Shockingly, there was no redness, just her massive brown mischievous eyes.

Dominic’s glare faltered for a split second, and his eyes shifted to me. I doubt anyone else saw, but I couldn’t have missed the look from a mile away. His glance was so swift that it took me a second to process what his expression meant. Desire.

Dominic did think I was pretty.

“Reesia,” Collin scolded, amusement in his tone.

She shrugged. “What?” She asked innocently. “It’s just a question,” she cocked her eyebrow at Dominic as if challenging him to answer.

Dominic looked back at me. “Yes, Reesia, she’s very pretty,” he agreed softly.

I was surprised my jaw didn’t drop to the floor. Thank goodness I was already blushing from Reesia’s earlier comments because I was floored. I wasn’t expecting him to say it out loud, let alone so openly.

Reesia was a genius. She wasn’t on drugs, drunk, or insane. She got Dominic to admit something he probably didn’t want to.

Jamie tilted her head. “So, you’re a student?” She asked, her voice strong and confident. I nodded. “How’d you end up living here?” She asked.

I blinked at her, unsure of how to answer that. It was a long story, and I didn’t think what the board did was legal. “I kind of got kicked out of my dorm, and the school sent me here,” I explained vaguely.

Aiden leaned back in his seat. “Her dad is Charles Whitlock,” he added as if that was a crucial part of the situation. I guess it was, but having Charles as my father wasn’t something I wanted blurted out like that.

Vincent looked at me again, this time his eyes calculating. “In that case, it’s nice to see you again,” he said casually.

“I don’t think we’ve ever met?” I said apologetically. I think I would remember if I’d seen him; he was a scary-looking guy.

Vincent nodded. “A few times, actually. I’m in business with Charles,” he explained. Ah, that explained it. I always ignored any business partners my father brought to our house.

“My condolences,” I said quickly, regretting the words as soon as they came out.

He chuckled. “He’s not that bad,” he dismissed.

I raised my eyebrows. Boy, did I have some stories for him about how not that bad my father was. Few people had seen his true colors, and each one left him divorced.

Jamie tilted her head. “So, what? You’re some spoiled little rich girl?” She laughed.

This time, I think my jaw did hit the floor. What did I do to her? I didn’t think I said or done anything that would be offensive. I couldn’t think of a reason for her to say such a demeaning remark.

Before I could excuse myself to get food, Reesia squeezed my hand she was still holding. “Don’t be mean, Trix,” she snapped.

Jamie glared at Reesia. “I told you not to call me that,” she warned.

Reesia smirked. “Bitch, I don’t listen to you... Trix,” she shrugged.

Jamie’s jaw clenched as she looked at Collin, expecting him to say something. He shrugged. “She doesn’t listen to you,” he defended.

Aiden stood up. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” He asked Jamie.

---