Page 42 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“Business. Concerning that man, I suppose.”

“Of course.”

It’s as if sharpened knives are scratching against my soul when I think of Christian Duprey. He is one sick individual who I want burning in the fires of hell, not visiting Rockwell Academy in search of recruits.

The rideback to the academy is a pleasant one. Summer is pressed against me, her legs bare as they grip my thighs and it’s as if I’ve died and gone to heaven. I’ve had girls, women as well. I’ve used them to sharpen my skills and enjoy a training of the sexual kind. In high school, I was tutored by one of my uncle’s workers. Girls who made it clear they wanted me were of no interest. Perhaps if Summer was there, my mind would have changed, but she’s here now and every inch my queen. My Rockwell queen, anyway. She lives in God knows where, and I live in Florida. It will end at the graduation ceremony, of that I am certain. Her family will make sure of it, but we have this time to enjoy one another’s company—but first I must remove one obstacle in our way. Her brother.

As soon aswe reach Rockwell, I park my bike and it’s as if the demons circle. Summer’s eyes hold a hint of resignation as she whispers, “I should head back to Willow Tree House—alone. It’s probably for the best.”

“Whatever you prefer, princess.”

She hesitates and then impulsively reaches up and drops a light kiss on my cheek and whispers, “I enjoyed our study session, Luca. I’ll see you around.”

Her sexy wink paints a smile on my face and as she heads off, I take a moment to watch her go, admitting a body that will be a pleasure to mold against mine. To put into practice what I have learned from more experienced women. I’m guessing Summer is a virgin and one thing’s for sure, she won’t be for much longer.

The first personI see as I head inside The Elusive House is Jesse, and he appears to be on his way out.

We meet at the door and he nods.

“Hey, man.”

“Hey.” I search his expression, noting a weariness on his face that doesn’t match his usual energy.

“Is everything okay?” I raise my eyes and he appears to check himself and sighs.

“Nothing a beer later won’t cure.”

“At the meeting?”

I’m aware that Frankie called a meeting to discuss The Claiming challenge that has been scheduled the week after The Twist ceremony. I heard they deal with the returningparticipants who get the chance to stick or twist before the new challenge begins. It’s a curious club Frankie has formed and yet appears a popular one among the students. Apparently, not everyone wants in on the action—me included, but it’s the only way Frankie will allow me to date his sister.

“Is Frankie around?” I ask, wanting to put my proposition to him before it gets underway, and he nods.

“Basement. He’s shooting pool with Jack.”

Jesse glances at his phone. “I should go.”

I wonder if his urgency has anything to do with a certain art teacher who I’m aware is dining with the devil right now. Is Jesse meeting Christian today? If so, he is in more danger than he realizes, and I wonder if I should intervene.

He smiles hastily before heading to the door and I decide it’s doubtful any harm will come to him—yet, anyway.

Before I head to the basement, I pull out my phone and dash off a quick text to the WhatsApp group my uncle set up for four family members only.

Christian Duprey is at Rockwell.

I press ‘send’ and wait for the fireworks to blow this place apart.

As I head down the stairs, I catch sight of Frankie and Jack finishing up their game and as Frankie’s eyes meet mine, I sense the mistrust still circling.

“Hey, man. You just missed me beating the shit out of Frankie.”

Jack’s easy smile is at odds with Frankie’s irritated one and I laugh softly. “I would have paid to see that.”

Jack grins. “Anyway, I have an hour at the gym planned before heading back for the meeting. I’ll catch you later.”

As he heads out the way I came, I approach Frankie and whisper, “Can I have a word?”

“Sure.” Frankie points to the beaten leather couch. “I wanted one anyway.”

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