Chapter 7
CASSIE
I really like Summer Majerio.
We met up with Imogen and Summer in the cafeteria and it didn’t take long for me to warm to our new friend.
“So, Cassie, should I download the forms to declare you clinically insane?”
Summer rests her chin on her hands and stares at me with a pitying glance.
“I’m guessing you’re referring to my involvement with your brother.”
“Of course. I just can’t wrap my head around it. The only answer is insanity.”
“You’re probably right. Download the forms and put me out of my misery.”
She grins. “You are excused. He is blessed with the power of attraction. Not many can resist and ignore the waving red flags that follow him wherever he goes.”
“You got that right.”
She turns to Siri.
“And you? What’s happening with Jack?”
I don’t miss the intensity in her expression and Siri shrugs. “I’m not sure.”
Imogen appears confused. “I thought you were together. He told me that.”
“Did he?” Siri shakes her head. “If he means we’re dating, then yes, he’s correct, but that’s all it is. I’m no further forward knowing anything about him. He is a closed book.”
“Jack is?” Imogen stares at her in surprise. “Jack is the easiest book to read, in my opinion. What makes you think differently?”
Siri sighs. “I’m not feeling the interest. Jack is with me because he had no other choice. He was a victim of circumstance and I’m guessing if he had a choice, he would have passed.”
There is nothing I can say about that because I was there and it’s true. Jack claimed Siri in the challenge because he had no choice. He helped her escape, and that sealed the deal. She wouldn’t have escaped the dungeon without his assistance, which means he still claimed her under the rules.
Summer leans forward and smiles at her cousin with affection. “He must be a fool if he can’t see how amazing you are, Siri. Don’t sweat about it and make your decision based on what your heart is telling you.”
Imogen appears confused, and I fill her in.
“Next week, we get to take part in the Stick or Twist ceremony. If we decide to stay with our partner, we choose to stick, but if we want our freedom, we twist.”
“What happens if they choose a different answer?” Summer asks with interest and Siri adds, “Then we twist. It must be a unanimous decision, so I guess I’ll be single again soon.”
“You don’t know that.” I smile my reassurance, which I’m not certain is warranted. “Why don’t you talk to him and discover his intentions before you make your decision?”
“I would if I could sneak two minutes alone with him.”
Siri appears crushed and my heart plummets.
The conversation stops when a shadow falls across our table and I smile when I see who made it back.
“Kennedy.”
She grins as she slips in beside me and smiles at Summer. “Hey, you must be Frankie’s sister. I’m the last ex who also happens to adore his latest girlfriend.”
I chuckle as Summer rolls her eyes. “You had a lucky escape, honey. This poor girl–” She jerks her thumb in my direction. “Saved your life, and it’s no wonder you love her for it.”
Imogen giggles and I smile at her with happiness. It’s so good to have her here with me and Jack. The three musketeers are together again and all is good with the world.
I turn to Kennedy. “We were talking about The Claiming. Have you decided whether to twist or stick with Amos?”
Siri smirks because Kennedy was apoplectic when Amos Sams claimed her and yet in a shock turnaround she appeared to fall for him after all.
“We are both sticking because I haven’t finished with him yet.”
She appears almost proud of that, and Siri’s eyes widen. “What changed?”
“He did.”
Kennedy studies her perfect manicure and grins.
“He had a glow up courtesy of yours truly and he’s so grateful nothing is too much trouble for him. He is attentive, generous and loyal. He is desperate to please me and what girl wouldn’t be happy with that?”
“I’m happy for you.” I smile. “It certainly surprised us all.”
“Me too,” Kennedy says softly. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all a one-way street. I kind of care for the guy too and am excited to learn a little more about him.”
She smiles with satisfaction.“It all worked out well for us, but I heard Autumn is probably going to twist.”
She has our full attention and lowers her voice. “River turned out to be a controlling bastard who took The Claiming ceremony as a written invitation to make her his slave. I don’t know about you girls, but have you seen how introverted she has become around us?”
I had noticed and my gaze connects with Siri, who appears worried.
“Tell us.”
Kennedy whispers, “He won’t let her out of his sight. He demands her full attention and she must do his laundry, make his bed and fetch what he needs. If he wants sex, she must be ready and if she displeases him, he–”
Contempt twists her expression. “He punishes her.”
“How?”
Summer’s eyes flash as Kennedy hisses, “Ties her up, locks her in his room, starves her, hurts her and emotionally abuses her.”
“Fuck!” I stare at her in horror. “I never knew.”
“Why would you? None of us did. She hid it well, and it was only when I called on her during the holiday that she told me. She was even considering transferring to another college to avoid him.”
“Then she must twist.” Summer snaps angrily and Kennedy shrugs despondently.
“I’m not sure she’ll have the strength for that. Imagine it. With both of them kneeling before the master of the chamber, it will take a huge amount of courage for her to go against him in front of witnesses. She’s scared shitless by him, and I doubt he would let it lie.”
“We’ll back her up.” Siri says fiercely and I nod.
“Of course we will. Tell her we’ll have her back and if River pushes it, I’ll tell Frankie and he can deal with this shit.”
Summer cocks her head to one side. “Frankie hates shit like that. He may be a dark soul, but he’s a respectful one and could be your best option at setting your friend free. If Frankie warns River off, he would be a fool to ignore the warning. Your friend will be safe. Tell her that.”
Kennedy smiles her gratitude. “I will. Thanks.”
Her phone vibrates and a soft smile lights her face.
“I’m needed at Willow Tree House.”
She makes to leave and then turns to Summer and Imogen.
“You know, we have a couple of rooms free at the house. If you like, I’ll put in a word with Principal Constable and you can move in there.”
“Really?”
Imogen’s face flushes with pleasure and Summer nods. “I appreciate it. What do you think, Imogen?”
“It would be fun.”
“And it would mean I’m free from being dragged to my brother’s house in the near future.”
Summer groans. “I understand how his mind works. He’ll find some excuse to bring me in line so he can keep a watch on me.”
Her eyes flash with determination. “I’m in. Where do I sign up?”
“Leave it with me.” Kennedy winks. “I’ll head over there now. You will love Willow Tree House. It’s home from home.”
As she heads off, Summer gazes after her with a smile. “I like her.”
“She’s a good friend.”
I think of how she handled Abigail’s situation last semester and the way she accepted her pairing with Amos Sams. On the surface, Kennedy James appears a spoiled brat with a vindictive soul, but she is nothing like that.
She is kind, loyal and her emotions run deep and is the perfect friend to those she lets into her clique.
I’m happy for Imogen and Summer because with Kennedy in their corner, their Rockwell experience will be a far better one.