by G. Bailey
I push through the crowd and find Charlie and Imogen at the front, watching as the English Lit teacher is handcuffed by two policemen, and she struggles against them in her once tidy suit.
“Turns out Miss Hector has been super naughty,” Charlie jokes, clicking her tongue and laughing at the same time.
Other than me and Imogen, every other student has their phones out, recording as Miss Hector is dragged away. I’m sure one of these videos is going to go viral, or at least be a big scandal for the parents to complain about.
“I didn’t do anything. Someone is lying to you, Mrs Beach!” Miss Hector exclaims, her eyes searching the crowd until they land on me. She narrows her gaze and curls her lips, and I get the feeling she would try to kill me if she could.
Mrs Beach holds her head high, looking down on her like a tiny little bug she wants to stamp out from under her shoes. “I have video evidence taken from the CCTV cameras. There is no point lying your way out of this. You were placed in a position of trust with these students, and you have grossly let us down. Now get out of my academy.”
With a flick of her wrist, she gestures the officers to remove her from the building.
I almost feel bad for a second when Miss Hector stops resisting and hangs her head in resignation, a solitary tear slipping down her cheek. But then she looks up and twists her face again, her eyes burning into my own as she thrashes in the officers’ grip.
“You brat! Wait until I get my hands on you, you little snitch!”
I just smile in response. Karma’s a bitch and I love to watch her work. It’s such a pity Miss Hector won’t be able to get her hands on me where she’s going.
Once Miss Hector is dragged out of the academy, Mrs Beach turns her incinerating eyes on us. All the students holding their phones out slowly drop their hands like a wave just from her death stare. “As for everyone here, go to breakfast. Now.”
I’m impressed at how quickly she scares everyone into action.
“I’m sorry about what Hunter did,” Imogen says quietly, and I didn’t even notice she was still at my side. “ Anne didn’t deserve that.”
I smile tightly at her, seeing her red puffy eyes, but then I see something more concerning. On her neck, there are bruises, recent ones too, with dark finger indentations. Imogen sees me staring at them so she tightens the silk scarf that she always wears and looks away. Makes sense why she wears it now.
“Did Hunter do that to you?” I ask but she doesn’t reply. She just stares with an empty look as Hunter appears behind us and wraps his arms around Imogen’s waist.
“You don’t want to be friends with her,” Hunter all but growls, glaring at me from over Imogen’s shoulder, and holding her so tightly to his chest that she lets out a strangled protest. “She’s a crazy bitch. I already told warned you, Imogen.”
“I’m not the crazy one,” I reply with a smirk, silently begging him to keep pushing my buttons.
“That’s what all the crazy people say,” Hunter shoots back, pulling Imogen away.
Fuck. I likely just got her in a shit load of trouble with her psycho boyfriend. I can’t help but feel a little guilty as I watch Hunter drag her away.
Turning around, I head to the cafeteria, my stomach grumbling all the way there. Just before I push open the doors, a large hand grabs my wrist and drags me into a cleaning closet, slamming the door shut behind us. I know it’s Joshua from his scent alone and I knew he would be coming for me. I just took his toy away, after all.
“You fucking bitch,” he growls.
Well, he isn’t wrong there.
“Tut, tut, Joshy. You do have a temper,” I tease, grinning as he grabs my other wrist and pushes me against the door with his body. I’m half tempted to put him on his ass, but then again, I need to get close to him to find out what his sin is. He looks stark raving mad, and I find it rather sexy on him. Anger suits Josh, like it is how he’s meant to be. “Were you in love with your teacher? Was it that special of a fuck to you?”
His eyes darken into slits, and he growls venomously: “No, I just want a replacement.”
I chuckle at how ludicrous he sounds. “I’m no one’s replacement, Josh. Go find some desperate girl who is happy to suck your magical cock.”
“Yeah, but that would be no fun. I like a challenge and you fucking owe me. Come to my room, number eleven, at midnight or you won’t like the punishment you’ll get,” he demands, digging his fingers into my wrists.
I don’t answer him. Watching his temper flare is so fucking hot.
He lets me go before pulling the door open, and I walk out first. He storms past me and I watch him go, amused by his temper tantrum and intrigued by his punishment idea.
That was unexpected.
I’m not going to his room, though, and the thought of him waiting makes me smile.
I head into the cafeteria and quickly grab a tray of food. Charlie’s Angels wave me over to their table, but Hunter is sitting with them and I’m not interested in being near him. Anyhow, Anne isn’t there and no matter how much I need the popular girls on my side, I won’t let her down. I spot Anne in the corner, her eye swollen and bruised, and to my surprise, she isn’t alone. There’s a cute guy checking over her bruise. He’s the one from outside my window on my first day here! The gorgeous face and dark gray eyes—it’s him alright, and my pulse quickens.
I walk over and they both look up as Anne giggles. Actually giggles like I don’t hear her do that often. I smile at her as I sit opposite them and place my tray on the table, my eyes on the stranger instead of my food. His russet hair looks softer and messy in a sexy devil-may-care way. His muscular but lean shoulders fill out his white shirt and his sleeves are rolled up, something that always makes a guy ten times hotter. I spot a tattoo hiding just under his collar, which has been tugged loose, and the green tie makes his eyes appear somewhat brighter. Without really admitting it, I’ve been keeping an eye out for him. He’s even hotter than I remember.
“This is Lucas Georgian,” Anne explains, patting her friend on the shoulder. “We’ve known each other for a long time. His family and mine go skiing together in France every year. Do you remember me telling you about him?”
Oh, I most certainly do. Anne has had a crush on this guy for years, and it’s one of the main reasons she hasn’t dated anyone else. Figures he has to be off-limits for me, the only guy I’ve looked at since…
“You must be Regan Hall,” Lucas says, offering his hand. “I’ve heard about you from Anne.”
“All bad things, I hope.” I wink at them, and reach over the table to shake his hand. The second his hand touches mine, I feel a connection I really don’t want as we stare at each other. There’s that draw you get sometimes when you meet a guy, like your body is saying hey cute fella, I choose you! Only this time my body can piss off, because no. He’s off limits.
Off. Limits.
I roughly tug my hand away from his and look down at my food, pretending he isn’t here.
Lucas Georgian is Anne’s crush, and one of the guys on my list. That means he did something bad—bad enough that someone wants him dead. Anne is too kind to have a fucked-up boyfriend, so I need to figure out what he did. Just not the way I planned to seduce the others. No, this target is going to be the hardest of them all.
How I ended up in the beauty parlour with Charlie, Imogen, Tilda and Anne, I don’t know. Maths and study class were a total breeze and I’m glad the day is over. I might not have killed any of my boys yet, but there’s still time. Besides, I’m due a little pampering.
I slip into the hot tub and lean back as the other girls join me. Anne looks pale and uncomfortable in her white swimming suit but I think it’s good for her to spend some time around other girls. Charlie and Tilda are wearing skimpy red bikinis that barely cover anything. In comparison, Imogen and I have chosen black swimming costumes that cover-up a lot, only I suspect we have different reasons. Now I can see the extent of the bruises on Imogen’s wrists and they’re
bad. Real bad. She usually hides them with bracelets and long tops, but she wasn’t able to do that here, and seeing all the marks on her body makes me livid. I’m sure there are plenty more.
“Anne, you have super pretty hair,” Charlie says with unexpected sincerity. “My hair is filled with extensions to get it that long. It just doesn’t grow well.”
“I’ve always been blessed with thick hair that never stops growing. It’s a family trait,” she replies in her sweet little meek voice. I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t love her.
“So you and Lucas. Are you dating?” Tilda asks, and I suspect this is the only reason she asked Anne to come with us. And the fact that I said it was up to Anne to decide after our math’s lesson.
“No, no,” she quickly mumbles. “I can’t date anyone with how sick I am. It wouldn’t be fair.”
An awkward pause stretches between us. There’s always an awkward pause when Anne openly talks about her illness. I don’t understand why people need to act so weird about it. Anne doesn’t, so why would they?
“Oh, well, you’ll get better and then you two can date,” Charlie replies, leaning back against the tub.
I swallow the lump gathering in my throat. I’m one of the few people who know that Anne won’t be getting any better. It’s only a matter of time now. One day, I’ll have to say goodbye to my best friend for good, and I don’t know how I will ever face that day.
“But Lucas and I are going to the Halloween Ball together. That should be fun,” Anne adds excitedly, unaware of how much I hate that new fact.
Lucas did something terrible. He isn’t safe for Anne.
That’s what I don’t like.
Or at least, that’s what I’m telling myself…
“It will! We will have to discuss dresses soon. I don’t want any of us wearing the same colour,” Tilda states and the other girls nod in agreement.
“Good idea!” Anne beams, and just like that, they’re the best of friends and I don’t have to worry. “So who are you guys going to the ball with?”
“Hunter,” Imogen answers first, her voice dripping with disgust and it goes awkwardly silent again, with only the sound of the bubbling water to fill the void until Charlie speaks.
“Tilda and I are going with the Hanson twins. They’re good in bed so they’ll do just nicely.”
They all turn to look at me then, and I sigh.
“I’m not going with anyone. I prefer to fly solo.”
Charlie seems to choke on her own spit. “Flying solo is no fun and it’s 2019! Sex is just another thing we do,” she exclaims in shock. “Come on, girl. Live a little.”
“What can I say? I’m boring, and don’t like to be tied down by guys,” I explain to her.
“I don’t blame you at all. Ethan was my last boyfriend and look how that turned out,” Tilda mutters. “Men are arseholes.”
“True that,” Charlie replies just as the door to the room opens and a waiter comes in with our drinks, mini cupcakes and bowls of handmade crisps.
One perk of this rich ass academy, the service and food are damn good. The waiter places all our things on the gaps on top of the hot tub for them before coming back to me.
“This was left for you at the reception, Miss.” He hands me a black note, and I freeze in fear for a long pause. There’s only two people in my life who have ever sent me handwritten notes, and one of them is sitting right beside me. If it’s not Anne, it must be my blackmailer.
“By who?” I whisper to the waiter as I turn around and take the note from him.
“I’m not sure. It was left and we didn’t see. There was a big group of students that came in at the time and it could have been any of them. I’m sure if you open it, you will find out.”
I can’t help but frown at his reply. Of course my letter sender covered his blackmailing ass. I rip the letter open, expecting to see another list of unlucky victims, but there’s only one sentence. One sentence that makes my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.
Fuck.
I feel like death warmed over when I wake up the next morning. It’s far too early and my little coffee machine was maliciously broken sometime during the night. Well, more like I took a Louboutin to it when I got back to my room after receiving Truth’s letter. The machine never poured fast enough and one thing led to another. While it was a good way to let off some steam without hurting anyone, or myself, I’m regretting it now. I could really do with some coffee.
As if on cue, my phone chimes in my bag. I take it out and read a text from Anne.
Got breakfast. Meet you in the rotunda xx
Anne Hopkins. Angel in disguise.
I reread the last part and scrunch up my face. “Where the hell is the rotunda?”
Daisy’s little flower icon appears on my screen. “Holly Oak’s rotunda is a popular meeting point for students and is located in the main vestibule.”
Oh. Yeah. Duh. I really need some coffee.
“Thanks, Daisy.”
I leave my room and head down to the main part of the castle. Lucas is waiting by the fountain with Anne, his arm draped protectively over her shoulders. He smiles and winks at me when he sees me approaching. I can see why Anne fancies him so much. He’s got a killer smile, and those dimpled cheeks…
Anne hands me a Belgian waffle half-wrapped in a brown paper bag, followed by a cup of coffee. “Figured you’d be running a little late. You looked exhausted when we left last night. Are you feeling any better?”
I nod and take the items from her, super grateful for her sweet nature. She’s always been kind and thoughtful like this even when she can’t eat any of this herself.
Shoving a large bit of waffle into my mouth, I say, “You have no idea how thankful I am right now.”
“Not a morning person?” Lucas asks, pinching a bit of my waffle.
I smack his hand away. “Eh, eh. Go get your own.”
Before he can snatch any more, I gobble the rest of the waffle and flush it down with some coffee. Lucas just stares at me as if I’ve grown an extra head. Poor Mother would be mortified if she saw me do that. She always said ‘leave some food for Mr Manners’ but screw that. I scrunch the paper bag into a ball and toss it into the nearby bin, giving him a mic-drop look.
“Yeah, I should have warned you,” Anne tells him, giggling. “Regan doesn’t like to share food when she’s hungry.”
I fold my arms over my chest, adding, “I will kill a bitch before I ever do that.”
Lucas lets out an exaggerated huff. “Fine. Duly noted. Are you ready for art?”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “Yes… Are you stalking me now as well as stealing my food?”
Anne giggles again, and it’s such a lovely sound to hear. I wish she’d do it more often. “Lucas has the same class with you, Rae. He said he’d walk you there in case you got lost.”
I turn my steely eyes onto the boy in question. “Next you’ll be strapping a toddler harness to my back. Don’t worry. I know to look both ways when crossing the road, Mr Georgian, and yes, I made sure to go to the ladies’ room before coming down here. Fear not, my good friend.”
Both Anne and Lucas burst out laughing. I’m pleased Lucas isn’t horrified by my sense of humour. Most people take me too seriously. I suppose they should. Sometimes I’m not joking when I say I’ll kill a bitch, depending on who that bitch is.
“You are a funny one, Rae Rae, I’ll give you that,” Lucas says, ruffling my hair with his big hand.
Him touching me and calling me that should really piss me off.
But it doesn’t.
It actually feels kind of… good. I can’t let him know that though, so I lift my chin and wave a dismissive hand at him, saying, “Well then. Lead on, noble steed.”
He chuckles and gives Anne a quick hug before stepping away. I hug her, too, and she’s grinning at me from ear-to-ear. I think she knows I’ve taken a shine to Lucas. I’m not the easiest person to befriend. Sure, I can put on one of my many masks to m
ake friends if need be. That’s just part of being an assassin. We hide behind different faces in order to reach our target, but actually allowing myself to joke in front of someone I just met? Someone I need to kill? Yeah, I think that’s a first for me.
I follow Lucas up the spiral stairs, drinking my yummy coffee. “I thought all the classrooms were through there?” I point out, gesturing to the doors on the ground floor.
“Most of them are. Mrs. Fleur is in the west tower. She’s a bit of a…quirky soul. You’ll see what I mean.”
He leads the way to the tower, making a drastic point of opening the doors for me. I shake my head at the way he bows like I’m some kind of queen. A part of me actually likes it, seeing a guy bowing to me. I could get used to watching Lucas do that amongst other things.
My stomach clenches. No, no, no. I’ve got to stop this. Anne likes him. Not me. I need to get a grip. After everything that happened, I shouldn’t want to date another guy.
Especially not someone on my hitlist.
Scowling at my treacherous thoughts, I follow Lucas down another hallway and into a glass elevator. It lifts us smoothly to the top of the tower. When its doors ping open and we step out, I’m surprised to find this part of the academy more rustic than the rest. No more white tiles or bland walls. Up here, the interior is a rich polished wood, with ornate furnishings and old tapestries hanging on the walls. The door to the classroom is actually a beautiful arch that has intricate details carved into the wood. The smell of incense envelopes my senses, and while it’s not a bad smell it is rather suffocating.
“You’ll get used to the smell,” Lucas whispers in my ear, ushering me through the archway.
Even the layout is different to anything I’ve seen so far. Three rows of dark wooden benches run down the length of the floor. Some of them are filled with other students who are busy chatting with each other. I dump my coffee in the bin and Lucas steers me to the bench tucked away against the oval-shaped window at the back of the classroom. As soon as we sit down and drop our bags at our feet, an old woman pops out from a hidden door in the wall. I nearly jump out of my skin. Damn woman just popped up like a daisy!
