Page 67 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“We will work well together, Luca. You will be happy with your progress.”

“I already am.”

I fold the drawing and tuck it inside my leather jacket and with one last smoldering glance at the depraved teacher, I head out of class, mission accomplished.

“Good work, Luca.”

Frankie stares at the address and smirks.

“Does she realize the devil is coming to play?”

“I doubt it. Then again, she’d pretty much get off on that. She is seriously deranged.”

“Can you handle it?”

Frankie raises his eyes and I nod. “I have back up remember? I can’t fail.”

He grins. “Let the game commence.”

Cassie enters the kitchen and Frankie immediately changes the subject as she heads to the fridge and pulls out a root beer.

“I hate math. Why is it important to understand algebra? What use is that in the real world?”

Frankie shrugs. “It’s useful to the teacher making a living from it, I guess.”

“Have you ever used it—once, even?”

She raises her eyes and Frankie grins. “If I am A and you are B, we make L.”

“What does that even mean?”

She rolls her eyes and Frankie grins. “Lust, I’m guessing.”

She heads to the door. “Trust you to make a sex equation. I’m not sure it will be in the exam, though.”

As she heads outside, Frankie watches her leave with a longing expression and I hate that it conjures up images of the way I stare after Summer. Once this is over and Miss Sloane is out of business, I will be free to pursue his sister.

Call this a test of allegiance. Our own algebra equation, if you like. L plus F equals S. A secret shared that will merge our dynasties. I wasn’t kidding when I called this business. It alwaysis and Summer is no different. I saw her, I wanted her, and I made her keeper an offer that he couldn’t refuse. The perfect business formula that has never failed our organization.

Now it’s up to me to keep my word and make it happen.

31

SUMMER

Isoon decided jocks were boring and Imogen is obviously of the same mind because we wasted no more time than thirty minutes on the guys.

As we head back to Willow Tree House, a familiar face is heading toward us and Imogen gasps, “It’s Jesse!”

I watch with amusement as he eagerly searches her face as he reaches us, and I don’t miss the yearning in his eyes as he smiles. “Hey, Imogen. Summer.”

“Jesse.” We both say at once and I seize my chance and say in dismay, “Damn, I left my text book back at the cafeteria. I’ll go and fetch it and see you back at the house, Imogen.”

She nods and her eyes convey her thanks as Jesse offers to walk her back the short distance. I leave them to it and head back the way I came.

I enter the cafeteria and wait five minutes before heading out of the door. However, I don’t make it that far as I crash straight into the one guy I wanted to avoid like the plague.

His arms reach out to steady me and I gasp as I find the darkest eyes in hell boring deep into my soul.

---