“Jinx, I need to start slow, and you being half-naked is killing me. I want you so bad, but I can’t get in that shower with you.”
“I get it. Go back to bed. Thanks for the distraction.” I backed up, giving him space. He pulls his boxers up and turns for the door.
“You gonna be okay?” He glances over his shoulder.
I wave him off. “Yeah. I’ll see you in the morning.” I watch him leave, heading back to the living room area. I’m not even in the mood for a shower.
I turn the water off and change into new clothes. I have to be up in a few hours.
Chapter ten
Jinx
I lie awake until the sun starts to peak above the trees. If I’m gonna get out of my dorm, it has to be now. I quickly get out of bed and find my most professional items in my closet. A long-sleeved A-line black dress that ends at my shins. And pair it with a thin black belt around the waist. I found my black Mary Jane platforms from the shoe rack to finish my outfit. Yeah, this look should do it. I’ll be dominating that meeting like it’s nothing. A little black eyeliner, and I’ll be unstoppable.
Those men are up for a challenge; once I step into that room, I’m not leaving until Cameron is kicked out. I’ll pick a fight if I have to. I don’t care at this point. They need toknow a predator is in their school and he’s dangerous to any female.
When I leave my bedroom, Ash and Atticus are sprawled out, sleeping on the couch. With the lightest steps I can manage, I reach the door. Holding my breath, I turn the knob, throwing open the door, and I’m so glad it doesn’t creak like some of the doors in the dorm. In a wink of an eye, I darted out into the hall, my heart lodged in my throat. I’ve never snuck out before, and holy hell, I don’t see how people can do it all the time. I rush down the stairs before they realize I’ve left. I still have to get past the fourth floor.
Maddox can still catch me.
Being outside is a relief, a weight is almost lifted from not being caught. The only other students outside this early are those who want to torture their bodies by running. That’s a no for me. Having a stalker is like walking on eggshells. I never know where he is or when he’ll text me. I’m tired of always hiding or having one of the guys with me, and I want my life back.
It feels nice not being escorted. I can think without being watched and analyzed like a Google document. I want this all the time. I’ll take it even if it’s a little morsel of freedom.
The school is quiet when I step inside, somewhat eerie when no other students walk the halls. I wouldn’t put it past being haunted—especially the basement. I’ve heard stories about a weird cult going on down there. Of course, nothing has ever been proven, but everyone talks about it like they exist. Even if they did exist, everyone would look the other way. This school doesn’t like to talk about their secrets.
Then again, maybe some secrets shouldn’t be found out.
I head to the directors’ boardroom, where all the meetings occur. All the walls are painted a warm black, including the curved ceiling—a row of four cathedral windows overlooks the courtyard. I’m sure this is one of the only rooms that didn’t get a complete reno when they redid the school. The floor is still the paved stone from the late 1800s. I sit next to the head seat, where Dad will sit, and wait.
Thirty minutes later, the first member walks through the door. With his head down, checking his phone, he doesn’t notice me until he reaches the table. His hand hovers over the chair as his eyes latch onto mine.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I think you’re in the wrong room, Miss.” He peers down his nose at me.
I take him in, from his freshly pressed suit to his classily side-parted salt and pepper hair. He smells like money.
“Trust me. I belong here.” I rest my hands on the table, getting comfortable, and watch his lip curl into a snarl. I can’t wait to take him down, especially Cameron’sgrandfather. That’ll be even better, prove to him that his dear little grandson isn’t who he thinks he is.
He glares at me before returning to his phone.
My phone vibrates in my pack, and it’s official; the guys know I’m gone. They’ll destroy the campus looking for me; this meeting better start soon. Knowing Atticus, he will search this room, too. The door swings open, making me jump in my seat.
“Odette?”
Dad stands in the doorway with two other men when I face him. I spot Cameron’s grandfather instantly. Cameron is the spitting image of his grandfather. I wonder if he learned all his pervy ways from him, too.
“Dean Hawthorne. I thought it would be appropriate to be at the meeting as well. There are a few things I would like to discuss also if that’s okay?”
“We usually take a vote on these things,” the man in the olive-green suit says with an exaggerated sigh.
“Barnaby, that’s enough. She can speak. Sit.”
Barnaby should be wearing a purple suit. I watch as he sits next to the other dickhole, the only one left standing is Cameron’s grandfather. There’s something about him that sends shivers down my back. His suit sleeve rides up his wrist, revealing a small tattoo on the inside of his wrist. Before I can get a better look, he sits.
“Prescott, can we start? I have places to be,” Cameron’s grandfatherasks.
“Archer, that’s enough. We’re all here because of your grandson. Now shut up. Roan, are you ready to take notes?”