Page 14 of Vicious Games

“Oh, that’s all it takes? She just has topromiseto be good? Well, hell, I promise I’ll act like the second coming. Does that mean I get a pass, too?”

“Will you please shut up?” I snap at him.

“Make me.”

“Have you always been this big of a jerk?”

“Are you always this much of a bit—”

My nostrils flare, my narrow-slit gaze daring him to finish his sentence.

But as Lucky’s eyes lower to meet my clenched fists on my lap, he thinks better of it.

“What? No comeback?” I taunt through gritted teeth.

“Let’s just say you’re no prize either, sweetheart.”

I hate him.

I hate him more than I have ever hated anyone in my entire life.

And that’s saying something, considering I’ve spent eighteen years hating my parents for abandoning me.

Sister Agnes clears her throat, pulling our attention to her.

“I may have a solution,” she says, looking far too upbeat, considering that my life and future hang in the balance. “It’s obvious Frances needs to learn patience and restraint. And we know Luciano could use a lesson in humility and charity. I say we put the two together and let them teach each other those qualities.”

“In a room? Alone? I don’t see how that’s a good idea,” Sister Margaretta replies dryly with a shake of the head.

“Oh, but it is. In fact, it’s the perfect solution to the issue at hand,” Sister Agnes insists with a wide smile. “Frances struggles in my class, and Luciano excels in it. He can tutor her to get her grade up. This way, he’ll have to think about someone else’s needs instead of his own for a few hours a day, while Frances not only learns calculus but also gains the tools to manage her temper.”

“I don’t like this idea,” Lucky mutters. “She’s insufferable.”

“You’ll live.” Sister Agnes smiles at him.

“Will I?” he counters sarcastically. “She’s got a mean left hook and an even worse temper. What if shekillsme?”

Sister Margaretta takes a page out of Lucky’s handbook and smirks. “Then it’s a win-win.”

Lucky scowls. “Hilarious.”

“I think you might be onto something, Sister.” Sister Margaretta continues to grin widely. “The two of you need to figure out how to function in a civilized society. Yes… yes… I think this is an excellent idea, Sister Agnes.”

My stomach sinks.

Great.

Justfreakinggreat.

If I want to avoid expulsion from school and still have a place to live, not only will I have to pass AP Calculus, but I’ll also have to deal with Luciano Romano.

Just fre… you know what… to hell with it—justfuckinggreat!

Ugh!

Chapter 3

Luciano

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