Chapter 11
ELEVEN
JULIEN
I clench 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.
Riley hates me. 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, the senator .
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 the purpose 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’s a 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.
Wesley brings up the rear, his fingers flying over his phone, unaware of me several yards away.
Wesley:
You sure you want this one?
Me:
Yes. What happened?
Wesley:
Zan marched up to the table to take her to class, and she propositioned him in front of the entire school. I’ve never seen the guy flip so fast!
Zander marched up to the table? Wesley would make sense, but not Zan.
Ever since the bonfire he’s been acting…
differently. He walked her home and then spent the rest of the night in his room; the party forgotten.
Honestly, I think we all wanted to do the same; but Wes and I played host and mingled until it was time to kick everyone out.
I had lost too much time in my room with her, and not enough time working on connections.
I have my sights set on a few people for odd jobs here and there, so it’s a good thing I stayed.
Getting picked to help with tasks is an easy way into our good graces, and almost all the students know it.
“Which one of you said I was off limits?” She yells.
Her anger has my head snapping in her direction.
As if she can feel it, she locks on me. She doesn’t even have to search for me.
It’s like she just knows I’m there. “Which one of you made me the school slut?” She tugs against Zander’s grip, but he doesn’t let go.
I know how strong he is from fighting classes and from sparring with me on the mat.
She’s going to be bruised tomorrow. I take a few steps closer to them, stepping out of the shadows from the tall trees lining the walkway.
“Let go of me,” she bites out, staring daggers at Zander, struggling to free herself once again.
He leans down and whispers something in her ear that has her stopping momentarily, taking a shuddering breath.
She licks her lips, a flush creeping up her neck and settling on her cheeks.
Then tugs at her arm again. This time he releases her, and she rubs the spot his hand just occupied.
I raise my brow in question, watching the exchange. What did he say to her?
No one challenges me. My first year here, people tried, but they only made that mistake once.
It’s easy to be known as the best when you are, and prove it every day.
I’m cocky, but also truthful. Blood pumps through my veins quickly, making my vision cloud.
I clench my jaw, muscles and veins popping as I feel like a caged bull before being set loose.
She drives me insane, scrambles every thought I have.
“I did.” I finally answer her question, taking a few steps closer. “You don’t belong here, Princess.”