Page 21 of Darkened Truths
Wesley brings up the rear, his fingers flying over his phone, unaware of me several yards away.
Wesley:
You sure you want this one?
Me:
Yes. What happened?
Wesley:
Zan marched up to the table to take her to class, and she propositioned him in front of the entire school. I’ve never seen the guy flip so fast!
Zander marched up to the table? Wesley would make sense, but not Zan. Ever since the bonfire he’s been acting…differently. He walked her home and then spent the rest of the night in his room; the party forgotten. Honestly, I think we all wanted to do the same; but Wes and I played host and mingled until it was time to kick everyone out. I had lost too much time in my room with her, and not enough time working on connections. I have my sights set on a few people for odd jobs here and there, so it’s a good thing I stayed. Getting picked to help with tasks is an easy way into our good graces, and almost all the students know it.
“Which one of you said I was off limits?” She yells. Her anger has my head snapping in her direction. As if she can feel it, she locks on me. She doesn’t even have to search for me. It’s like she just knows I’m there. “Which one of you made me the school slut?” She tugs against Zander’s grip, but he doesn’t let go. I know how strong he is from fighting classes and from sparring with me on the mat. She’s going to be bruised tomorrow. I take a few steps closer to them, stepping out of the shadows from the tall trees lining the walkway. “Let go of me,” she bites out, staring daggers at Zander, struggling to free herself once again.
He leans down and whispers something in her ear that has her stopping momentarily, taking a shuddering breath. She licks her lips, a flush creeping up her neck and settling on her cheeks. Then tugs at her arm again. This time he releases her, and she rubs the spot his hand just occupied. I raise my brow in question, watching the exchange. What did he say to her?
No one challenges me. My first year here, people tried, but they only made that mistake once. It’s easy to be known as the best when you are, and prove it every day. I’m cocky, but also truthful. Blood pumps through my veins quickly, making my vision cloud. I clench my jaw, muscles and veins popping as I feel like a caged bull before being set loose. She drives me insane, scrambles every thought I have. “I did.” I finally answer her question, taking a few steps closer. “You don’t belong here, Princess.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “You say that a lot. I didn’t want to come, remember? I didn’t have a choice.” Her voice is taking on a high pitch now. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re an idiot, Julien? Or am I the first? You just gave every guy here a free pass to do what they want to me, to get toyou! Wesley told me not to trust people around here. That they only want what’s best for them.” She makes a flashing motion with her hands in front of her. “News flash, asshole, you’re top dog.” She gives a dry chuckle, “and now they know you have a weakness.”
That’s where she’s wrong. I don’t have a weakness, especially not her. I have a plan. One that I will see through, no matter what. I step even closer now, trapping her between Zander and me. Unless she pushes past us, she has no means of escape. Even through my anger, I can register her sweet scent. She smells amazing and my body responds. I’m standing so close I can feel the heat and annoyance coming off hers as I lower my voice. “I don’t have a weakness.”
She narrows her eyes in challenge. “You’re wrong, Julien. Iam.”
I clench my jaw, and my nostrils flare as I reign in my temper. Reaching my hand up, I thread it through her hair, tugging her head back to look directly into my eyes. She lets out a squeak of surprise, but flattens her lips together, keeping quiet. I like the submission a little too much. She’s short to my six-oneframe and too many dirty thoughts flash through my mind in a split second.
“You’re mine, Riley. Mine to torment and break. I’m going to love watching you fall.” She’s a pawn. That’s it. One that I need to get what I want. She’s nothing more than a means to an end. Then why the fuck did you put a no touch rule out there? My inner thoughts betray me, which only adds to my annoyance. “Get to class, Riley, and don’t do anything stupid.” Then I decide to add, “Anythingelse,stupid.”
I storm away from her, ignoring the whispered insult she tosses my way. Jesus, it’s been three days since she’s been in my orbit and I can’t seem to get away from her. I also don’t want to. She’s the sweetest form of torture and is keeping me on my toes. Each insult that flies from her mouth only makes me want to punish her more. She needs to be brought to her knees. And if Saturday night is any indication, she wouldn’t mind at all. I run my hand through my dark hair and scowl, shaking the thoughts from my head.
Stella’s close by, watching the entire scene with interest. She cocks her head to the side and blinks rapidly up at me; but I brush past her. I don’t have time to deal with whatever she’s thinking she saw. She’s not my girlfriend and never will be. She’s an easy lay, and she’s gotten too cocky over the past year thinking the rules don’t apply to her. Stress has knotted my back muscles into a painful, rigid mass, and I'm on the verge of snapping. As soon as classes are over, I’m going to spend the night in the basement with the heavy bag, working it over until my limbs are heavy and my mind quiets down.
This weekend is the first fight night at Contend, the underground ring, and I’ve already put my name in. It’s the first one of the school year, so it’s bound to be a good crowd. The underground world of the corrupt at its finest. There’s a lot of money to make in the ring, and I know I’m a crowd favorite.The moment I saw Riley step on campus, I knew I’d use it as an outlet.
Zander never gets in the ring, but occasionally Wes needs to let off some steam and sign up for a fight or two. Usually it’s after having an unpleasant conversation with his father, Christos. He doesn't talk about why he hates his father so much, but I have a few guesses. All of which I keep to myself. If he wants me to know, he’ll share. Same with Zander. All three of us have our own reasons for coming together, despite their father's wishes. Alec wasn’t as upset. His only advice was to make sure they were trustworthy. After the three years we’ve been together, I can say without a doubt they are like brothers to me and I trust them with my life. We work well together, and I’m a lucky bastard to have found them.
I step into the classroom, and the noise dies down to barely audible whispers. All eyes are on me as I take a seat in the back, dropping my bag to the floor with a plop and place my laptop on the table. Old habits die hard. I don’t allow people to stay behind you for long periods of time.
I hardly concentrate in my first class of the semester, not that I care. Grades are pointless here. While we get a pass or fail, those grades only matter to those who sent them here. It’s an easy way to place people within the organization. Those who are pure muscle get used as personal protection guards, or second in command. While those students with business sense get sent into mainstream jobs, less likely to get them killed.
Where the hell does Riley get off talking to us like that? Why does she get me so damn riled up? I take notes, but I’m not paying attention to anything Mr. Krativa is saying. It’s all auto-pilot. This is the only class I have where I’m stuck at a desk, and I can’t wait to be done with it. Studying isn’t what’s going to put me on top when I’m out of here. It’s a tough world and theconnections I’ve made here, along with my smarts, are what will make me reign.
I don’t know how I’m going to survive this year with Riley here. The thing is, Michael has no clue who I am, or that I’m here. If he did, I’m positive he would have kept his precious daughter as far away from me as possible. I don’t remember Riley being this pig-headed and combative, though. I remember the sweet smiles and shy girl who tripped over her own words. This girl, she’s new. And as much as she’s pissing me off, she’s turning me on in equal parts. This back and forth is the best kind of foreplay. I crave more. I want to know how far I can push until she breaks.
I haven’t heard from Zander yet, and his radio silence is eating me alive. It’s not that I particularly care how her class is, but it’s the not knowing that’s killing me. I have eyes and ears around here. I have enough hungry men that are working for me in secret who would do anything to move ahead.
Me:
Update?
Zander:
She’s fine. Made her sit next to me. Taking notes. Nothing of interest.
Me:
