Page 507 of Filthy Elites

“Are you a freshman? I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.”

“Yep.”

“Cool, I’m a sophomore.”

I nod, but don’t speak. Another half a lap passes before he speaks again.

“You’re making me feel a little pathetic here,” he laughs.

“Hmm,” I say, not agreeing or disagreeing.

“So pretty loyal to your high school boyfriend?” he smiles.

“Nope, just not interested.”

“Harsh,” he laughs. “I’m on the football team if that makes a difference?”

“None.”

“Wow. Friends then?”

“I’m good, thanks. Enjoy the rest of your run.” Then I jog off the edge of the track and over to the changing rooms. Not bothering to shower or change, I stuff my clothes into my backpack and sign out before exiting the gym and turn to walk back to my beautiful prison.

The entire journey back to the house, I’m on edge, waiting for Sebastian to jump out on me, to drag me back to my cage and refuse to let me go again. By the time I push open the front door, I’m practically vibrating with nerves. He’ll know I was speaking to that guy and sitting with Sammy at lunch, he’ll know I was interested in my sociology class and somehow, he’ll find a way to use it against me.

The house is quiet as I step inside, but not empty, I can feel the intensity of his presence.

“Starling,” he calls from the living room that I’ve yet to step inside.

“What?”

“Come here please.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him to go fuck himself, but he’s got me so paranoid, so tense and worried that all of this is one of his fucked-up games, that I find myself walking into the living room. Instead of waiting to pounce, he’s sitting in a chair, his hair unusually disheveled, his expression sad, pained almost. The others are in here too, slumped into their seats and all wearing matching forlorn expressions.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Would you join us please?” Sebastian asks, pointing to one of the empty chairs.

“I’d rather not.”

“Please,” Evan says, imploringly.

I sit down on the edge of the chair, bracing myself for whatever fucked-up thing is going to come out of their mouths.

“I’m sorry,” Sebastian utters.

“Okay,” I say slowly.

“I’m so fucking sorry. I love you, I love you more than anything, but this was wrong, it was all so fucking wrong and I’m just. I’m sorry.”

“Is this some kind of joke? Because honestly, it’s not funny.”

“Jesus,” he hisses. “Look, you’re free to go, the doors and gates will all open, I won’t stop you from leaving and no one will follow you, at least not like before. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go without knowing you’re at least safe, but I promise they won’t ever tell me where you are or what you’re doing and they’ll never intervene unless you’re in danger. You’ll never have to see me again; I’ll stay away from any event where we would both be expected to attend. I’ll even tell Cassidy the truth, if that’s what you want.”

“I don’t understand,” I whisper.

“I shouldn’t have brought you here, I shouldn’t have said or done the things I’ve done since I got you back. I’m sorry about your mom, I never thought things would go this far, I thought you’d come back, I thought you’d fall out for a couple of weeks and then you’d make up. I know you won’t believe me, but I never wanted to destroy your relationship with her, I just wanted to punish you for leaving me.”

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