Page 22 of Shattered Princess (Hardin Hellhounds 1)
“A core workout?”
“No, a party where no one comes.” Wagging his eyebrows like the imbecile he was.
I rip my shirt out of the waistband of my shorts, smacking Finn across the back of the head on my way to grab water. Unflinching, I meet his heated stare.
Cursing, he rubs at his scalp, outplayed.
Eli’s reluctant beef with Finn earlier forgotten, letting out a huff of a laugh. You couldn’t stay mad at the guy. It was too entertaining to get under his skin.
“You guys are assholes.”
I shrug. He wasn’t wrong.
I was who I was and wasn’t planning on changing anytime soon. Why change direction when the path was clear. My future set in stone the day I was born.
Revision not in the vocabulary of the elite.
eleven
Rory
Badnews.Ifeltfine. Running my hand across my forehead for good measure, I didn’t feel anything above normal.
Damn the luck.
All I got after yesterday were some still soggy shoes and a set of car keys.
Outside, the pristine white Jeep sat. Having everything a person could want but a perfectly placed red bow on the hood. I took off, making it to school early.
The day drug by but I was learning this was going to be a running theme until that magic eighteen hits. This place is a purgatory.
I was twirling a pasta noodle, bored and not hungry anymore when a bag then a person is thrown into the seat opposite me.
“You are one hard lady to track down,” she says in a huff.
The fork holding my pasta stalled midair. “Did I say you could have a seat?”
Her expression shifts to confusion, but it’s not justified. I had been rude on purpose, a knee-jerk reaction. It was easier being on defense.
“Are you gonna finish that?” she asks, eyeing my tray.
I hesitate before giving in. Her narrowed eyes lighting up when I push it over, noticing she didn’t have one of her own.
She went to this school so I’m positive she could afford it, but I wasn’t in the position to deny someone food if they were hungry.
Grabbing at my roll, she separates it, adding butter, then taking a bite. I watch in fascination.
Her chewing slows when she realizes I was eyeing her.
Swallowing roughly, she wipes at her mouth, clearing her throat, and extends her hand. “Hailey Williams, at your service.”
“Rory,” I note dully. Keeping it simple.
She arches an eyebrow, staring at me a moment like she was trying to figure me out. Finally, a dimple pops out on her cheek, her mouth curving up. I have no idea what that look means.
Hailey lowers her voice, eyeing the table beside us before leaning in. “Casper, right?”
I freeze.
