Page 17 of Sold to the Devil
Someone clears their throat, and I feel Tom's hand quickly leave mine. I frown as I look at him, then at Mattheo. He looks at his brother darkly, and I realize he saw us holding hands. I swallow, knowing he's probably angry. I can't blame him. The way Tom held my hand was intimate and inappropriate considering who I am.
His brother's fiancée.
Mattheo lets go of my wrist, only to grab my hand. Our fingers intertwine and my eyes widen.
Where did this come from?
He guides us to the train before entering and finding an empty compartment. I sit by the window and he sits right next to me, his hand still in mine. I feel myself blushing but I try to stop it, not wanting him to know the effect he's starting to have on me.
Arthur and Tom enter the compartment in turn and sit opposite us. Arthur sits opposite me by the window and Tom faces his brother. The blond boy looks confused, his eyes flicking between our clasped hands and mine. I shrug, letting him know I have no idea what's going on either.
Tom, on the other hand, stares at his brother, his blue eyes darkened with anger. His jaw tightens, and I understand they're probably having an argument via telepathy.
Well, the trip is going to be nice…
“Ah, you're here!”
I jump, my head turning towards the compartment door. Two cute, dark-haired boys are standing there. They both have slightly wavy hair, but one is clearly taller and more muscular than the other. The shorter one notices me first and smiles brightly, almost seductively.
“I didn't know we'd have such pleasant company! What's your name, beautiful?”
“Aelys,” I smile shyly, feeling my cheeks flush.
“A pretty face and a pretty name, damn, we're lucky! I'm Lorenzo, but you can call me Enzo, honey,” he winks at me and I laugh softly at his flirtations.
Until I feel Mattheo grip my hand tighter and see his jaw twitch. My smile falls and I stiffen, preparing for his anger.
“Forget it, Berkeley.” He growls, his voice menacing.
Enzo raises his hands innocently, a mischievous smile on his lips. “No need to bite, Rigast. I didn't know she was taken.”
“Now you know,” he bites out, menacing.
Enzo sits down next to Tom, rolling his eyes. The other boy smiles at me as he introduces himself.
“I'm Theodore, but others call me Theo, so feel free to do the same.”
I nod smiling, and he goes to sit next to Mattheo. Arthur frowns, trying to understand Mattheo's behavior. His gray eyes are on me, full of confusion. The door opens again and I look up to see Nancy enter. My eyes light up with joy, and my smile widens. She notices me immediately and throws herself at me. I stand up, Mattheo's hand leaving mine, and hold her tightly against my chest.
“Aelys! What are you doing here? Oh my—did your Father finally allow you to join the Academy?”
I laugh softly, nodding my head. “In a way, yes. I'll explain everything to you later, I promise.”
She nods before pushing Mattheo aside and making us both sit where I was before, and she where Mattheo was. He looks outraged but says nothing. He just rolls his eyes. The door opens again, and this time, a tall, brown-skinned boy enters. He sits down next to Enzo, greeting us. His eyes land on me, and he smiles softly.
“I'm Cameron Tesco.”
“Aelys Hewloc,” I smile back at him.
“Ah, so you're the famous cousin Nancy keeps telling us about. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.”
My smile widens. He seems kind. Nancy starts asking me a thousand questions. She doesn't seem to have noticed that I was holding Mattheo's hand, because she doesn't mention it.
She tells me about her other friends, two sisters named Kiara and Paula Wilkins, who are shapeshifters. Kiara is our age, while Paula is a year younger. She explains that she can't wait to introduce us, saying we'll be best friends.
We chat for a while, her explaining the workings of the Academy in more depth than Mattheo did, and me listening attentively. Nancy, being a lover of gossip, makes sure to mention the rivalries between the factions, as well as betweensome of the popular students. Then, finally, the lack of sleep due to my short night takes over, and I fall asleep on my cousin's shoulder.
CHAPTER 8
