Page 45 of Take My Place

“Can’t,” I snap over my shoulder. “I’ve got to go.”

“But I was hoping I could borrow your class notes,” Lucas says. “The teachers here are teaching a different syllabus to what I’m used to. I thought maybe we could get some coffee and you could go over the things I don’t understand.”

“I’m not the right person to ask,” I tell him. “I’m not exactly a star pupil in politics or business. Ask Travis or Becky. They’d be more than happy to help you–especially Becky. She was giving you puppy dog eyes all the way through politics. I’m sure she’d love the chance to spend more time with you.”

“I’m sure she would, but I’d rather be with you, thanks.”

“Sorry. You’re shit out of luck on that front. I’m busy.”

“Come on, Ivy. Don’t be like that.” Lucas reaches out and grabs my shoulder, forcing me to stop and face him. “You were the new girl here not so long ago. You must remember what it’s like to come into the Academy and feel like everyone wants to stick a knife in your back because they don’t like the thought you might be a threat to their standing. Wouldn’t you have liked someone to help you out?”

“Yeah, I would’ve.” It is annoying, but he has a point.

“So, why won’t you do that for me?”

“I have a fiancé,” I point out.

“So? It’s coffee, not a date. Surely your fiancé isn’t so insecure he has an issue with you getting coffee with another man?”

“He’s not.” I thought about Romy and how self-confident he is. He is almosttooself-assured, knowing that his prowess in the bedroom is more than enough to keep any woman coming back for more. Romy would probably laugh at the thought that Lucas posed any kind of threat to him.

“Then have coffee with me. Help me figure out everything I’ve missed. And maybe I can fill you in on a few things your dad’s been up to.”

I don’t know how he knew that is the one thing which would intrigue me enough to meet him, but if Lucas could help me figure out what is going on in my father’s twisted mind, it is worth spending an hour or so with him in a coffee shop.

“Fine,” I huffed. “I’ll have coffee with you. We’ve got an early finish tomorrow so we can go out then.

“Great. I look forward to it.” Lucas smiles. But if he thinks he has anything to be happy about, he is deluded. My notes aren’t worth a dime. I am going to get way more out of this meeting than he will.

Chapter Fourteen

“That new guy Lucas is an interesting chap, isn’t he?” says Romy as we drove home together.

“That’s one way of putting it. He’s in all the same classes as me. I can’t get away from him. And somehow, he managed to talk me into having coffee with him tomorrow after school,” I say.

“Good call.”

I frowned. That isnotthe reaction I was expecting. “Really?”

“Of course. The guy’s a total unknown quantity. Knowledge is power in this town, so if you can figure out where he’s coming from and how he fits in with your father’s plans, we’ll be able to work out how we can use him.”

“Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?” I laugh bitterly. I am never going to get used to this town. Everyone is always out for themselves and what they could get. Nobody could just be friends without thinking about how that friendship impacted on their status.

“It’s okay, Ivy. That’s what you have me for.” I think Romy intended to be reassuring as he pats my knee, but it comes off as patronising.

“Anyway. Enough about me,” I say. “How was your day?”

“Pretty typical for a Monday. I’ve got a major essay I need to finish tonight though, so do you mind if I get a few hours to myself to work on it?”

“I’ve got a lot of homework myself, so that’s fine.”

“We could work in the library together,” Romy suggests. “We might not be able to talk much, but we can at least be together.”

“Thanks for the offer, but no.” I shake my head. “Part of my endless amount of homework is a piece to work on for music. I don’t want to disturb you,” I lie. I don’t have much homework at all, but all I want to do is have a long bath and listen to music by myself.

“Fair enough. Maybe we can have dinner tomorrow night after your coffee then? I can get Cook to make us something special, get the dining room set up with candles and roses, open a bottle of wine while you tell me everything you learn from Lucas.”

“Okay. That would be nice.” It would be nicer if it was just a simple dinner without getting all caught up in the politics of the Houses, but beggars can’t be choosers.

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