Page 35 of Theirs to Ruin

My pulse quickened, and I felt Simone's grip on my arm. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to remain calm and composed, no matter her reason for seeking me out.

I immediately got to my feet. "Madam."

"I'm looking for your sister," she announced, her gaze unflinching.

I hated the relief I felt that she wasn’t looking for me, that she wasn’t going to tell me she’d found me a match. But was she looking for Bianca to tell her she approved of a match between Bianca and Silas? Is that why he’d left the room so suddenly? "I haven’t seen her since her meeting with you. Is something wrong?"

Madam Sandrine’s face remained impassive, her eyes giving me nothing. "We had another appointment. One she missed. That’s not like her.”

“I agree.” Pulling out my phone, I tried calling my sister and got no answer. I quickly fired off a text to Bianca, hoping she'd reply immediately. While I waited for a response, I met the older woman’s gaze. "I'm sorry, Madam. I wasn't aware she had an appointment. I'll make sure she contacts you as soon as possible."

Madam Sandrine continued to assess me for a moment longer, her expression unreadable. "Please see that she does," she replied smoothly. With a final nod, she turned and gracefully departed, leaving a wave of whispers and speculation in her wake.

I exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of her presence lift. The place slowly returned to its usual buzz, but despite the curious looks from Simone, Ethan, and Mia, I excused myself and headed out to find my sister.

She wasn’t in her dorm or any of her regular hang outs, and over an hour went by with still no response from her. Bianca, always so punctual when it came to returning my messages, was remaining ominously silent and it worried me.

My break ended and I was headed to my art class when I heard a familiar voice say my name. I looked up to see Kage walking toward me. His muscular frame moved with purpose and grace. He looked like a jaguar emerging from the jungle. Like a magnet, he drew the eyes of those around us. A couple of girls next to me checked him out, leaning their heads together to murmur their appreciation. I, on the other hand, scowled at him and turned to walk in the opposite direction. I only made it a few steps when his strong fingers gripped my wrist and stopped me.

"Don’t walk away from me, Rebel,” he said, a glint in his eyes that held a dangerous edge. “You’ve already done it once, and I didn’t like it. I especially didn’t likewhoyou were with when you did it.”

I trembled at his dangerous tone. I didn’t doubt this guy could ruin me and my entire family in an instant if he wanted to. I hated how angry he was. And I hated how much I still craved his touch. It was as if something settled in me as soon as he was near, even if I was still pissed at him.

"Stay away from me, Kage." I struggled to break free from his grip, but he was too strong.

His eyes blazed as they levelled on mine. “Damn it, I did not tell Ava what happened.”

"Then who the hell did?" I snapped.

“Brooke.”

I laughed in disbelief. “Right. She’d never go against you.”

“That’s what I thought, too.”

“Fine. Brooke told Ava. Are we done here?” I asked.

Kage stared at me, frustration flashing in his eyes, and he let me go. "Not until you agree to have dinner with me.”

“Dinner?” I laughed and crossed my arms over my chest. Well, that had come out of nowhere. Ignore me for a month and now he wanted dinner? I didn’t owe Kage anything. "Why? Is it time to tick another box off your Good Samaritan list?"

Before he could respond, a shout erupted behind him. His friends Alex, Samir, and Silas were walking toward us.

Great. Exactly what I needed.

“Kage, where the fuck have you been?” Alex yelled out.

He eyed me then Kage, as if to ask Kage what the fuck he was doing talking to me. All I wanted to do was disappear into the shadows, but then I remembered my sister.

“Silas, have you seen Bianca today?”

“No.”

“Anyone else? Alex?Outsideyour dreams, I mean.”

Alex scowled. “Looks like you only have a smart mouth when it comes to guys. Funny, because yesterday you ran away from Ava while crying like a little bitch.”

Kage shoved Alex then pulled him back so he was in his face, his eyes threatening.

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