Page 20 of Darkened Truths
Julien Azarian, Zander Fedorov, and Wesley Bastian are dead!If they think I won’t play their stupid game, they have another thing coming.
Sweat slides down the back of my neck, my collar absorbing the liquid. My legs are jittery, the urge to run is so strong that I have to wrap my feet around the chair legs to stay still; my heart pounds in my chest like a drum. I need to speak, say something, but words defy me. It’s like I can’t breathe and I know it’s only been mere moments since Derek propositioned me.
This is not me.
Forced to defend myself like this in front of a bunch of strangers? This is a first. It was easy to ignore words thrown my way at Stonewall. As soon as they learned of it, the teachers quickly intervened to stop any bullying. I was untouchable.
Here at Pointebreak I’m bottom of the barrel.
A nobody.
I don’t like it at all. Nope. But that’s not how I’m going down. If I’m going to make it through here, I need to step up my game. No one knows me, knows what I’m capable of. I need to reinvent myself. I can be the bad ass bitch I’ve always wanted to be.
I steel my spine, push my metaphorical crown straight on my head, then clear my throat. “Interesting rumor. Guess someone wants me to be known as the campus slut.” He watches intensely. “Did he also tell you he couldn’t perform?” I place my hand on the side of my mouth like I’m going to whisper a secret, but keep my voice loud enough for those around me to hear. “Stage fright.” I roll my eyes for emphasis. “So embarrassing.” A few snickers circle around me and I can’t help the surge of pride that courses through me at their reaction.
“Derek, you said?” He nods. The hairs on the back of my neck prick up. I run my hand over them and look across the cafeteria, feeling eyes on me. My gaze locks with Julien’s as he stands between Zander and Wesley. And dear lord, do those three look amazing in their uniforms? Black button down collared shirts with blood red ties and dark gray pants. Julien and Wesley have their sleeves rolled to their forearms, Julien’s tattoos on full display. I can see a peak of a tattoo from the top of Wesley’s collar. Zander’s the only one wearing the black blazer as per the uniform. Perfectly poised and quaffed.
Julien cocks his brow, and the air is sucked from my lungs, the silence deafening as he waits to see what I’ll do next. I’ve never been skilled at chess, but he’s fucking with the wrong girl and I will doanythingto win this game—even if that meansgetting my hands dirty. I grab the back of Derek’s neck, pull his face toward mine, and crash my lips against his. If Julian wanted me to be an obedient girl, he’s got another thing coming.
Your move, your highness.
ELEVEN
JULIEN
Iclench my jaw and cross my arms over my chest, the muscles in my arms straining as I hold myself back from smashing someone's face in. The tie around my neck feels like a damn noose, restricting my every breath. The room has gone quiet and most of the students are pretending to be engrossed in conversation, but secretly watching out of their peripherals. Riley’s got some balls; I’ll give her that. Most people around here steer clear of pissing me off, but Riley Whittier can’t seem to get enough of it. She wants a target on her back. I’ll give her one so big she’ll come begging for me to stop.
Wesley coughs to cover his laugh. “Fuck, man. She’s trouble.”
When Ava texted Zander last night, I wanted to chase her, to scare her into submission, but Wes stopped me and went after her instead. I’m not sure what I would have done if I got my hands on her, anyway. In every scenario, I imagined it would have ended with her on her knees and my cock down her throat. It was best I didn’t go. I need her alive and well for what we have planned for her. And scared people do stupid things. I don’t need any loose screws.
According to Ava, Riley was frantic and confused after their talk. She doesn’t even know half of what she’s walking into.Associating with students with less than reputable families isn’t wise, but the least of her problems. Wait until she finds out what her future holds.
Me.
Rileyhatesme. There’s no denying that. Especially with the recent public display once she saw me standing here. And I know she did. I knew the moment she decided to make her move. She pulls away from the kiss, dropping her hand from his neck, and whispers something to him. He turns and notices us standing here…watching…waiting and he smiles. The fucker actually smiles.
“Derek Adkins. His father’s George Adkins. He’s known for his strip clubs, but it’s money laundering cover. Deals with a lot of different clientele,” Zander supplies. “Your father uses him, as does mine. He has a few clubs up and down the coastline. And his uncle is Arthur Adkins, the current headmaster here.”
I know all this. I know the cocky bastard personally. Growing up, I never cared for him, but I also assumed it was because he was a bratty kid. He’s only eighteen, but acts like he’s twelve. I guess his dad hasn’t made him grow up as fast as the rest of our families. He’s untouchable, but that doesn’t mean he can’t earn a few broken bones.
I don’t take my eyes off Riley, but she pays me no mind as she continues to flirt with Derek, lazily stroking her finger up and down his arm. She watches us out of the corner of her eye, waiting to see what I’ll do.It’s not wise to fuck with the beast, Princess.Unluckily for her, Zander’s in her morning business class, and I’m in her afternoon survival class. The only one who doesn’t have eyes on her is Wesley, but he’s already volunteered to help get her to and from.
“Keep an eye on her. I want updates on what she does or who she’s with. She’s not fucking up my plans.”
I need to speak with my dad. I’ve tried to get a hold of him, but I couldn’t get through. It’s not my designated time and the guards wouldn’t let me talk to him. I’ve passed the message along. He’s got ears everywhere and feet on the ground, and I’m sure he’s already put a plan in motion. He’ll call soon. Dad has my schedule and knows when I’m free.
She meets my gaze, and I shake my head before turning on my heel to walk out. Naughty girl. I clench my fingers into a fist as I turn and walk out of the door. Wesley and Zander stay behind to watch Riley. I know they’ll keep her in check. This is the reason I didn’t want her here. I wanted her completely unaware of me until the time was right to strike. I don’t need her trying to make friends with students here who will help her for favors. That’s a slippery slope to go down, and most people don’t make it out alive when that happens. One small favor turns into five quickly.
I had it all planned out. She would have gone to college, somewhere prestigious, and I heard she got into Dartmouth—no doubt thanks to her dad. I’m not saying she’s not smart, because I know better than to think that; but the massive donation to the school had more to do with an acceptance letter than her grades and extracurricular activities. I’m sure of that. She would have gotten a degree in business or political science, as most politician kids do. Then would complete an internship with her father, thesenator. Fast track to a good life. A Husband that her father set up for her, white picket fence, dog, and two kids. Then I’d rip it all away from her just like he did…
I don’t know if she remembers me or not, but I remember her. The pretty girl in the summer dresses with an ear-splitting grin on her face. Her shrieks of laughter always brought a smile to my face. It was always few and far between, but I remember her. Our fathers used to work together once upon a time. I use the term “work” loosely. They were acquaintances, for thepurpose of expanding each of their careers. My father was throwing money at Michael, helping him with his campaign and advancing his political career. In turn, Michael had the cops look the other way when there were new deliveries that had arrived. It was a win-win for everyone. Until it wasn’t. I scowl, locking the horrible memories back up to focus on my task at hand.
“Zander, stop!” Ava’s voice comes from behind me. “We haven’t gotten to finish breakfast, and there’s still time before classes start.” It’s then I realized I haven’t made it far outside of the cafeteria. I’m distracted.She’sa distraction. And one I can’t afford. I turn to watch the scene unfold in front of me, and it’s nothing less than a circus act.
Zander holds Riley firmly by the upper arm, marching her toward her class, while Ava practically runs to catch up. What’s strange is Riley isn’t making a fuss. She allows Zander to drag her across the quad like a rag doll, like it’s no big deal, with a big smile on her face.
Not the reaction I had expected. Although, I wasn’t expecting any of us to have to manhandle her, either. Zander isn’t the type to interact with anyone unless he has to. So something happened that forced this reaction.
