Page 82 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

I recognize Cassie’s voice and as Luca grasps my chained wrists, he pulls on the mask and we head back to the game.

38

LUCA

Ihave got what I came here for and thank fuck for that. If some other bastard had got to her first, I would have a huge problem on my hands. As we enter the chamber, the two centurions watch us silently and then one of them points to Summer’s feet.

I remember I must cuff her ankles as well as her wrists and, with an evil grin, I remove the second pair of cuffs and say darkly, “Now, where was I?”

Before she realizes what’s happening, I snap the metal around her ankle and she yells, “What the fuck? How will this work?”

I adjust my mask and tug her down to the ground, grasping her ankles in one hand as I turn to the tunnel.

“No fucking way!” She yells and as the two silent centurions watch, I drag her in after me.

“Fuck, Luca! This is unnecessary.”

I say nothing at all, conserving my energy for dragging her along the dirty, dust–filled floor.

“Ouch, that’s killing my back.” She moans and I bite back my smile, loving this latest turn of events.

It’s surprisingly easier than expected and she is lighter than the weights I heave in the gym. It’s an effortlessly amusing task that I wish was longer as we spill out into the main chamber and notice we are the last one’s home.

I drag Summer to the stone altar where Santi is waiting, silent behind his mask and I notice four other centurions holding the shackles of their prey and note the tear-stained faces of some of the girls along with their disheveled clothing that is dirty and torn in places.

I force Summer to her knees and stand behind her, gripping her cuffed wrists hard to steady her.

Santi’s voice booms out, “Summer Majerio, you have been claimed. You are now the property of the centurion who captured you.”

Summer sighs heavily, but says nothing as Santi continues.

“For the entire semester, you will belong to him and it works both ways. You are a couple in the eyes of Rockwell Academy, and if you betray that, you will be punished by imprisonment.”

I’m loving the sound of that, especially the imprisonment part, although not if it’s me.

He addresses me. “Centurion. Do you promise to be faithful to Summer Majerio and protect her as your property? Care for her and guide her with her best interests in mind.”

“I do.” My voice is loud and full of no shit because I mean it. Summer will have my undivided attention and protection, and it will last for the entire semester if not beyond.

“Remove your mask and kneel before me.”

I do as he says and as I kneel beside Summer, she slides her gaze my way and smiles. “Be careful what you wish for, Centurion.” She winks and in that precise moment, I know I have met my match.

Santi says with a sinister smile. “You may now claim your girl.”

Her eyes flash as she kneels beside me, cuffed and vulnerable, but you wouldn’t know that from the fire in her eyes. She is magnificent. My true queen and my breath hitches as I reach for her chin and tilt it toward me, staring at her with a promise, one she definitely understands, and her eyes sparkle as I lean closer and kiss her carefully, almost reverently, completely opposite to the kiss we shared in the tunnel.

She tastes of sweet victory and I’m in no hurry to end this experience. It’s almost a marriage, it certainly feels like it and then I pull back and, carefully lift her wrists and removing the key from my pocket, I release them. She smiles gratefully, still staring deep into my eyes as I break eye contact and set her ankles free with care.

Summer is now free—as free as being my girl involves and then I return to my position and stare once again into her eyes. She waits, patient and still, as I draw her closer—my hand slipping behind her head, my lips finding hers, claiming her as mine and demonstrating that what we share is something rare – something perfect.

“Put her down.” An irritated voice disturbs the silence and Summer chuckles at the sound of her brother’s obvious anger.

We pull away and Frankie says loudly, “The Claiming is over. Back to the house.”

I help Summer up and as soon as I remove the mask and cloak and hand them to one of the guards, I lace my fingers in hers and we follow the rest of the group back to the after party at The Elusive House.

I squeeze her hand as we walk and whisper, “So, you’re mine now.”

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