Chapter 3
CASSIE
I mogen’s room isn’t far from the one I shared with Siri.
“It’s a shame we’re not roomies.” She heaves a sigh and I smile.
“We would have been if we arrived at the same time. Mind you, Siri is great, you’ll love her.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. She sounds awesome.”
Imogen sits on the bed by the window. “Should I offer my roomie the choice of beds when she gets here?”
The anxiety in her expression softens my heart. Imogen is so kind; she always has been and I’m not surprised she is already placing her roomie’s needs before hers.
“If you don’t mind, then sure.”
She glances around with a soft smile. “I don’t care where I sleep. I am finally free and it feels amazing.”
She grins and her blue eyes sparkle with happiness. “Why did I resist this? It’s so cool.”
Imogen was supposed to come here last semester with Jack and me, but decided at the last minute she didn’t want to leave home after all and chose to study nearer the compound.
However, she soon realized she was missing out and told her parents she had changed her mind.
I’m glad of it and I still can’t believe my two best friends are really here, sharing in my experience at Rockwell Academy.
“Have you spoken with Frankie yet?”
Imogen refocuses my mind and my heart flutters at the thought of my dark, desirable boyfriend.
“No. I mean, we’ve communicated a lot online, but he’s been busy and so have I.”
“Are you worried?”
Imogen’s tone mirrors concern and I shrug. “Not really. It will be good to see him again, but he’s not my world, Imogen. Not like you and Jack.”
I make light of it, but I can tell she doesn’t believe it for a second.
I don’t either, but I’m attempting to train my mind for disappointment.
Frankie is a guy who shrouds his soul in mystery, and I can’t figure him out.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he has changed his mind about us and I’m preparing my heart against the onslaught of that.
A gentle knock at the door commands our attention and as it opens, a stunning girl heads inside, along with her parents.
I stare at them in awe because when God handed out assets, he apparently gave the majority to this family.
They are a beautiful painting of when mother nature crafts a masterpiece and yet there is a familiarity surrounding them I just can’t place.
“Hey.” The girl smiles at us. “I’m sorry. I was told this is my room.”
I grin. “Don’t mind me. I’m here supporting my friend. Imogen is your roomie.”
The girl’s attention swerves to Imogen, who smiles happily. “Hi.”
She nods. “I’m pleased to meet you both. I’m Summer.”
Her smile is open and friendly and yet something surrounds this family like a force field. Power, darkness, reservation, and mistrust. Something holds them back and now I know who it reminds me of. Frankie.
From somewhere in the recess of my mind, I remember he has a sister – Summer. I drag my gaze to her father and it hits me square in the heart.
This is Frankie’s family .
“We should go.” Her mom says with a sigh. “You don’t need us now.”
Something about the tremor in her voice and the mist in her eyes tugs at my heartstrings and my eyes fill with tears at the loving way her husband reaches for her hand as they share a wistful smile.
I remember Frankie telling me they met here—at Rockwell, where his mom was abducted and made to marry a psychopath.
I am intrigued by them and their story, and it’s interesting to meet Frankie’s family.
Summer nods and reaches for her mom and as they hug, I note the emotion in her father’s eyes.
Imogen is silent as we intrude on a scene we should back away from.
It’s so intense, emotional and as if we are unwelcome guests.
It’s obvious they are a close family and I understand a lot about that and as Summer shows them to the door, she turns and blinks away her tears as she closes it behind them.
“Fuck!” She runs her fingers through her long black hair and heaves a deep breath.
“Why did that destroy me?”
She shakes her head and Imogen says gently, “Because it’s a lot. Goodbyes are never fun if the people leaving are everything to you.”
“You’ve got that right.”
She forces a huge smile onto her face.
“So, Rockwell Academy. I must say, I never expected the day to actually come.”
She glances around the room.
“Have you chosen your bed?”
“No.” Imogen shrugs. “I wanted to give you first choice.
“That’s so sweet of you. I appreciate it, but you were here first. You get to choose.”
“Then we’ll draw lots.” Imogen smiles as she pulls a coin from her pocket and hands it to me.
“We each choose a hand and the one with the coin in it gets the window.”
“Great idea.”
I place my hands behind my back and hide the coin and Imogen nods to Summer. “You go first.”
“That one.”
Summer points to my right hand and I open it, revealing the coin inside.
“Are you sure?”
I love how concerned she is, and Imogen nods. “Couldn’t be happier.”
I decide to leave them to get acquainted and nod toward the door. “I should be going. I haven’t unpacked yet and well–”
“Well, Frankie?”
Imogen teases and the blood must drain from my face because Summer immediately asks, “As in Majerio?”
“Do you know him?” Imogen asks innocently and Summer pulls a face.
“Unfortunately, yes. He’s my brother.”
Imogen gasps and throws me an apologetic smile as Summer studies me more closely.
“Are you?–”
“Friends.” I add quickly. “We live in the same house and, well, we kind of hooked up last semester.”
“Hooked up?” Summer laughs out loud. “Don’t tell me you’re the poor girl who was chained to my brother as a result of his stupid game.”
“The Claiming?” Imogen adds, already up to speed with what that means.
“Yes, guilty as charged.”
Why do I feel so awkward about this?
Summer shrugs. “Well, I’m pleased to meet you and if I could ask a favor, I would be forever in your debt.”
“You can.”
I’m interested in what favor I could possibly do for her.
“Keep him occupied and well away from me. I’m here for freedom and not to be controlled by my brother and I could sure use your help with that.”
“Tell me about it.” I chuckle. “I helped Siri with that last semester and it worked out kind of well for her.”
“Of course.” Summer slaps her forehead. “Cassie. The same Cassie Siri can’t stop talking about and the one girl who has stolen my dumb brother’s heart. She told me all about it. I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots.”
Her smile is warm. “This is the best possible outcome. Now there will be four of us united in controlling my brother, and he won’t stand a chance.”
She grins wickedly and just like that an alliance is formed and now I know Imogen will be perfectly fine with her new roomie.