Page 18 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

She glares at me and resumes her work, leaving me disguising a self-satisfied chuckle. I love how she challenges me; calls me out on the shit I spout like words of wisdom that are nothing but a test. Continuously testing and pushing, never becoming complacent. I should have that scripted in Latin and made into a t-shirt because I live by my rules and I always will.

I don’t reassure Cassie.Why would I? I’m not one to declare anything, and certainly not how much I like her. I don’t like girls. I never have. I fuck them and then carry on with the business of training to distance my heart. To polish my cool facade and maintain a blank expression. Feelings are considered a weakness in our world and I am not about to declare any for her, no matter how fast they are deepening. When I saw her enter the kitchen, something shifted in my heart.

I tried to erase her from my memory during the holidays. I wouldn’t allow myself the luxury of missing her. It wouldn’t have changed anything, only hold me back. But when she walked intothe room, it was a relief. The way she searched for me and I noted the hunger in her expression. It was a homecoming if you like and there is zero chance of me not sticking at the ceremony.

We head downstairsand straight for the basement. The first party of the semester is a fact finding mission. It’s obvious who will be a problem from the first gathering, and I am interested to watch Luca Romano and discover his intentions. As long as they don’t include Cassie, Summer or Siri, I couldn’t give a fuck who he likes. But they are family and I will always protect that with my entire soul.

Jack is another issue I am still working to resolve. It’s obvious he’s pissed about my relationship with Cassie, and she is a closed book on the subject. I don’t like the unfinished business that sits between them, and knowing they were together over the holidays fed my anxiety. They have history; it’s obvious and I’m preparing for the inevitable where it concerns their relationship.

Then there’s Siri. He could hurt her and I wouldn’t be okay with that. Not to mention my sister, who is a wild card that you never know when it will show up in the pack. Like me, she keeps her cards pretty close and if she directs her attention to anyone in particular, they had better be prepared for the repercussions.

Then there is Jesse, who is my main priority right now. Jenna Sloane is my number one problem this semester, and I spent the holidays planning her downfall. She is recruiting students into a dark cult and drugging them, enslaving them and corrupting their minds. I saw it first hand with my best friend last semester and I’m guessing her hold over him will only increase now that we’re back. Jesse has changed and I don’t like it. She will ruin him, and that will happen over my dead body.

There is so much to think about, which is why I head straight for the cooler and chuck Cassie a beer.

“Let the fun begin.”

She nods, her eyes sparkling with happiness, and I share her emotion. Life is good at Rockwell and we have the entire semester stretching out before us and I intend on stepping up my education of testing Cassie sexually and pulling her further under my control.

9

CASSIE

Iam so happy to be back and as soon as Imogen and Summer head into the basement with Siri, my evening is complete.

“Hey.” Siri heads my way, closely followed by the others, and as they grab a drink, I note how amazing they all look. They are certainly striking and will turn many heads tonight, and I’m interested in seeing that.

“So, this is where my brother rules his kingdom.”

Summer glances around with interest.

“He rules it well.” I admit, and she nods. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”

She scans the room that is filling up quickly.

“Is there anyone I should know about?”

I point to a group in the corner. “Frankie’s crew. Santi, Ali and Jesse. They’re good guys but man whores. They’ve fucked most of the sorority and are always on the lookout for fresh victims, so if you want to maintain your sanity, I’d avoid them.”

“Noted.” Summer points to another group. “Who are they?”

“More guys to avoid.” My voice drips with distaste. “River Callahan and his crew. They live in Roan Tree House and are jocks.”

“Why are they so bad?” Imogen asks, hanging onto every word.

“Because River is a controlling, abusive bastard and I’ve heard his friends are no better. They treat girls like shit, and I’m guessing the only reason River claimed Autumn was to grab a free slave for the semester.”

“That’s River?” Summer’s eyes flash. “Interesting. Thanks for the heads up.”

We are interrupted when Jack enters the basement and, as he heads to the guys, I notice Siri’s eyes following him. My heart dives because it appears their relationship is one-sided, and it’s obvious that a word with Jack is definitely needed, sooner rather than later.

“Who is that?” Imogen speaks up and as we all turn, I notice a stranger heading down the staircase and the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

“I don’t know.”

We stare at a guy who may as well come out as a demon because he certainly identifies as that.

“That’s Luca Romano.” Summer says casually and Siri lowers her voice.

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