Page 7 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“The Claiming?” Imogen adds, already up to speed with what that means.

“Yes, guilty as charged.”

Why do I feel so awkward about this?

Summer shrugs. “Well, I’m pleased to meet you and if I could ask a favor, I would be forever in your debt.”

“You can.”

I’m interested in what favor I could possibly do for her.

“Keep him occupied and well away from me. I’m here for freedom and not to be controlled by my brother and I could sure use your help with that.”

“Tell me about it.” I chuckle. “I helped Siri with that last semester and it worked out kind of well for her.”

“Of course.” Summer slaps her forehead. “Cassie. The same Cassie Siri can’t stop talking about and the one girl who has stolen my dumb brother’s heart. She told me all about it. I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots.”

Her smile is warm. “This is the best possible outcome. Now there will be four of us united in controlling my brother, and he won’t stand a chance.”

She grins wickedly and just like that an alliance is formed and now I know Imogen will be perfectly fine with her new roomie.

4

FRANKIE

Luca gives nothing away and as we head to the house and into the hallway, his luggage is waiting for him.

I’m guessing his father’s guards delivered it and as we settle inside, Jack heads down the stairs and smiles.

“Hey, you must be Luca.” He holds out his hand and Luca takes it with a hooded expression.

“I’m Jack.” They shake and Jack nods toward his luggage. “If you like, we could give you a hand with this.”

“Thanks.”

With a sigh, I reach for the first case and as we haul them up the stairs, Jack fills in the awkward silence.

“You’re lucky not to be in a dorm. This house is the best.”

Luca says nothing and Jack adds, “Parties most nights and more freedom that you would get in a dorm. Plus, you get your own bathroom, so it’s all good.”

We follow Jack along the hall to the room at the far end and as we head inside, Luca glances around him with no expression at all.

Before Jack offers to unpack for him, I interrupt. “We’ll leave you to it. You’ll find us either in the kitchen or in the basement. If you need a tour, one of the guys will show you.”

I turn on my heels, not caring if I came across as rude. Luca isn’t exactly giving in that department either and will understand that approach more than friendship and offers to help.

Jack follows me and whispers, “What do you make of him?”

“Trouble.”

One word is all I need to sum up Luca Romano. He is as cold as ice, impassive, secretive and dark. Everything I am without the personality. Fuck Principal Constable for placing him here.

We head to the kitchen and I waste no time in tugging a beer from the fridge and handing one to Jack.

“Is anyone else here?”

In my mind, there is only one person I’m interested in seeing and Jack has the answer to that.

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