Page 36 of Beautiful Ascension

“Charming, isn’t she,” I jest.

His hands run through his wheat-colored hair as he regains his composure. “Anything you need from here out, consider it done. Samantha Davenport has made an enemy, and if by chance she survives you, I promise she won’t survive me.”

I grin. The stupid girl always puts her over-priced stiletto in her collagen-injected mouth.

“Isabella will be delivered to you the morning after she leaves your club.”

Now it’s his turn to smile. His tongue glides over his canines, showcasing the evil that simmers just beneath the surface.

Standing, I fix my suit jacket and then stretch my arm out. Matthieu takes my proffered hand, and the deal is sealed.

I check to see if I feel an ounce of remorse for the devil I just placed in Isabella ’s path, but there’s none.

I’d bloody the world to ensure Ariah is safely back in our arms.

17

ARIAH

The first week of school has flown by. I’ve been able to avoid any interaction with the guys or Samantha. Even on days like today, when all of us are in the same Thursday afternoon history class.

After the incident in the food court on the first day and the dumbass video of me flicking my bean, it’s been radio silent. My dad was livid once Reign gave his daily report. He immediately called Teagan to wipe the internet of all traces and had her come to install a new security system. I’ve only heard mentions of the infamous Teagan. She’s supposed to be one of the best coders in the world.

“You know the routine,” Reign begins while parking the car in what I’ve discovered is our designated spot. But it’s not just this parking space. Apparently, no other vehicles can park in the first row in any of the lots around campus unless they’re a Bradford or on the Bradford payroll. “You’re with us?—”

“At all times. No matter what,” I mimic, rolling my eyes.

“Be a wiseass all you want, Ry—just don’t be a stupid ass,” Elias chimes in.

Reign turns off the engine and then cranes his neck enough for me to understand the severity of the situation. His hard eyes and stern jaw illustrate that playtime is over.

“I’m not being a wiseass. I’m just showing you that I get it. You don’t have to do the same speech every time we go anywhere,” I complain, crossing my arms. The sharp pain that jolts through my tender breast makes me drop them faster than I crossed them.

Fucking pregnancy bullshit. I swear I’m putting in a complaint with management about all the side effects of carrying children.

“I’m sure Samantha Davenport has already informed Senator Baker and whoever they’re working for about your pregnancy,” Nando explains.

Groaning at that fact, I grab my bag and exit the car. “Fine,” I huff, genuinely sounding like a petulant child.

Ever since the infamous leaked video, they’ve been hypervigilant, never allowing me to go anywhere alone. Now, Reign, Elias, and Nando always accompany me to this class. Scratch that. All my classes. I want to be more annoyed, but I’m not. I appreciate everything they’re doing to keep me safe.

There is the added bonus of pissing off the guys.

Anytime Reign, Eli, or Nando touches me in a way that can be perceived as intimate, and I swear I can feel daggers being pointed in our direction. It’s like they expected me to wallow in misery while they get to move on.

Well, fuck that and fuck them.

I won’t let their bullshit dampen my earlier good mood. I have my sixteen-week appointment later today. So, I just have to make it through this three-hour class without stabbing anyone in the eye.

That should be doable.

With my bag positioned on my shoulder, my hands move instinctually to the metal hair sticks in my messy bun, adjusting them. It’s like my trainer said, ‘You should never leave home without a weapon.’

Once we step onto the sidewalk, Reign grabs my bag and slings it over his shoulder, placing his hand on the small of my back while Nando takes point and Elias positions himself at our backs.

We’re walking across campus toward the history building.

“You excited for your appointment?” Reign asks.

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