Page 38 of Princess of Hawthorne Prep

He rips his narrowed gaze from me before focusing on the girl at his side. “Yeah, sure.”

With an overly bright smile beamed in his direction, she steps closer and lays a hand on his bicep. “You’re just so big and strong. It must be from all the working out you do. I’d love to start weightlifting. Maybe when we return to Hawthorne, we could do it together and you can show me some of your moves.”

Her double meaning isn’t lost on me.

Or, apparently, Duke.

With a roll of his whiskey-colored eyes, he heads up the front porch stairs. I ignore the couple and trail after him, wanting to put as much distance as I can between myself and Austin.

I’m sure Aubrey will continue vying for his attention throughout the long weekend. Maybe it would be better for everyone involved if he turned his interest elsewhere. That thought has an unwanted prick of jealousy blooming to life inside me and I quickly stomp it out, not wanting to dwell on it.

“Guess that leaves me to grab my own bag,” Everly mutters, picking up her suitcase and dragging it to the porch.

“I’ll take your bag,” I say with a small smile.

She snorts. “Nah, I’m good.”

As soon as Duke throws open the heavy front door, raised voices and laughter greet our ears. By the number of cars parked in the drive, we’re probably the last ones to arrive.

My belly trembles at the thought of who might be waiting inside. Especially since Aubrey is staying at Kingsley’s and not with Sloane and the rest of the crew at Jasper’s, which means there’s a good chance I’ll run into them this weekend.

No matter where I go, Jasper will find a way to wreak havoc. It’s what he does best. The thought of having to be constantly on guard or fighting him off is exhausting.

There’s only one thing I’m looking forward to, and that’s walking the beach and snapping photographs. This is my first time visiting Lake Michigan, and I can’t wait to get out and explore the area. I’ve done a little research online, and from what I can tell, the sandy dunes are beautiful and there’s a lighthouse within walking distance.

The point of this retreat might be to bond with my classmates, but that’s the last thing on my mind. All I need to do is make it through this weekend without any further incidents. With any luck, life will once again return to normal. It’s the only hope I have to cling to at this point.

As I step inside the double story foyer, my gaze bounces around the spacious interior, attempting to take everything in at once. The walls are painted in muted tones of sea glass, and there’s a sparkling crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Plush runners cover both the curving staircase that leads to the second floor and the ocean of hardwood that stretches throughout the hallway. I’ve only taken a few steps inside his home, but it’s obvious that Kingsley’s beach house is just as luxurious as his mansion in Hawthorne.

It’s only when Duke grinds to a halt and drops our bags in the living room that I find a dozen or so people sitting around, drinking and smoking weed.

Aubrey squeals when she spots a few friends. I hold my breath and scan the sea of familiar faces, relieved that Sloane and Jasper are conspicuously absent. Austin sets her bags down before heading outside to grab his own. His gaze flickers to mine before he disappears down the hallway. I release a pent-up breath as my shoulders loosen.

“Since everyone’s here, we can talk about the room arrangements,” Kingsley says, raising his voice to be heard over the music and chatter.

Other than Everly, there aren’t any other girls I’d want to bunk with. I’m praying that we’ll end up together. My gaze flickers to Austin’s twin, only to find her watching me with narrowed eyes. Our conversation from the photography studio pops into my brain, along with the loathing that had flashed in her green depths.

It’s almost difficult to believe that a few short weeks ago, we were friends. Maybe we weren’t hanging out, but she’s someone I would have liked to get to know better. With everything that’s occurred, there’s no chance of that happening.

I rip my gaze away from hers as the room assignments are handed out. The beach house has six bedrooms and an array of couches.

Kingsley and Summer take his suite.

Aubrey is given a guest room.

“Delilah and I can share one,” Duke pipes up.

I nod, grateful that he’s looking out for me. If I can’t share with Everly, then Duke is the next best option.

Kingsley shrugs. “Sure—”

“That’s not happening. Delilah stays with me.”

My head whips toward Austin in shock as he returns from retrieving the last of the bags and drops his duffle to the floor. Nausea explodes in the pit of my belly as our gazes collide. I don’t realize I’m shaking my head until his eyes narrow as if daring me to voice the protests that have gathered on the tip of my tongue.

Kingsley flicks a look in my direction. “Does that work for you?”

Tell him no.

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