by A and E Kirk
Yeah. I was going nowhere.
Unless I unleashed some serious firepower and blasted my way out. But I’d have to get my power up and running first, then be willing to endanger a whole lot of people. Principal Clarke first of all. Yikes, I’d forgotten all about her.
She blustered about, voice booming in irritation as she picked up papers which had scattered when Horus conjured the wind.
“—grades being the least of your problems. I could suspend you for this ridiculously erratic behavior. Mr. Cacciatori, I am so sorry. We can find another solution.”
“I want no other,” Armani said firmly. Then his voice became warmer, his Italian accent heavier than I remembered from our encounter in his mother’s office. “But Principal Clarke, please do not fret. This is all my fault. Miss Lahey’s reaction is, how do you say,” his brow creased in thought, “understandable?”
Principal Clarke stopped reorganizing the papers she’d collected. “How is this in any way understandable?”
“Miss Lahey is under the false impression that I intend her harm.”
Not so false, you being an assassin and all.
“Why in the world?” the principal asked.
Yeah, this should be good.
“Because I hit her with my vehicle.”
Whoa. What?
The principal sputtered.
Armani caught my surprised look and continued. “It was an accident during my visit at your lovely country club, but she disappeared before I could offer any assistance. I have been desperate to find her ever since, and as luck would have it, here we are.”
Luck? Not so much.
He hit me? In the van? Holy crap, he’d been here for days! Watching. Waiting. For what? Oh, jeez. I knew why. For the Hex Boys to be gone. Me unprotected. I was standing, barely, but turns out in reality I was sitting and making quacking noises.
Get it? Sitting duck.
“Aurora, is this true?”
I scratched the back of my head. “It was that night of the toxic chemical leak and the explosion. I was a little, or a lot disoriented when I had the incident with the car. And so much chaos. I wasn’t hurt. Sorry I reacted so badly.” And didn’t die for you sooner assassin boy. What was he playing at being here at the school?
“It could be Post Traumatic Stress,” the principal said with concern. “Perhaps you’d like to see the school psychologist?”
“Thanks, but I’m fine.” I gave Armani a look. “As long as Mr. Cacciatori doesn’t have any plans to hurt me or anyone else today.”
Armani spread his hands and bowed his head. “It is the farthest thing from my mind.”
“Good. Then I’ll be on my way.” I reached for my backpack, wondering if I could get out of here before I threw up.
“Not so fast, Miss Lahey.”
Apparently not.
I gripped the back of one of the chairs directly in front of the desk, leaning heavily and pulling in a long breath.
“Perhaps you need a moment to recover,” Armani offered in a most solicitous tone.
I gave him a bared teeth smile. “I’m fine. I just want to get to class and work on those grades.”
“Which is what this is all about,” Principal Clarke said, exasperation showing through her professional demeanor. “I insist you sit down. Now.”
“No, really, I’m—”
A chair pressed against the back of my legs and a firm hand on my shoulder lowered me into it.
Armani smiled down at me. I hadn’t seen or heard him move.
Spooky.
Even spookier, his hand on my shoulder felt warm and comforting. Even tingled a little in a good way. The knots in my stomach loosened.
Oh, crap, he must have some mind or emotional control power. But I checked his eyes, which were studying me with an uncomfortable intensity. They weren’t swirling into another color. Maybe that didn’t happen for him. I wasn’t taking chances. I scooted my chair away so his hand slipped off. The warmth and comfort vanished. I missed it.
Oh, no, no, no. Danger! Danger!
Instead of going back to the chair by the door, Armani took the one next to me. He descended into it all elegance, ease, and power. As if this entire estate was his own, and we were merely visitors he tolerated for his amusement. That kind of confidence was unnerving as hell.
“Shall we move this along?” he said pleasantly. “I would not want to delay Miss Lahey any further.”
I bet. When I shot him a sideways glare, he returned it with a small smile then focused back on the principal.
Principal Clarke folded her hands together. “Aurora, I need you to be a guide for Cristiano, accompany him around school, show him the ropes.”
I couldn’t help it. I laughed.
Then coughed trying to cover it up. I cleared my throat and tapped my chest. “Gosh, I just don’t think I’m qualified for something like that. But thanks.”
“Actually…” Principal Clarke shuffled papers around.
Oh, God, no.
“You’re the only student here who speaks Italian,” she said.
“Speaks is such a strong word. I really don’t know anything. Except ciao. Which seems appropriate at this very moment. Ciao!” I started to rise.
Armani’s hand shot out and covered mine. The tingling warmth returned. I snatched my hand away and flopped back in my seat.
“No, stay right where you are because…” Principal Clarke picked out a paper and held it up. “It says here that you’re fluent. Been taking classes since grade school. Co-founded your previous high school’s Italian Club. Your former teacher commented that she’d never seen such zeal for another culture or a propensity for learning a language.”
“Did she now?” I squeaked. “Well, she was losing it in her old age.”
Principal Clarke gave a pointed look. “I’m older than she is.”
I offered a weak smile. “Whaaaat? Did I say old? What I meant was, um…”
“I must confess that my English is weak,” Cristiano said. “Having someone who can translate on occasion would be an immense help.”
“Your English sounds fine to me,” I said cheerfully. “Principal Clarke, I might have overstated how well I’m doing in school. You can see for yourself my grades are in the tank. I can’t lose focus on my studies to help this guy.”
“That’s why this is perfect,” the principal said. “You’d get extra credit for your assistance, and Cristiano’s grades are excellent. Your parents and I discussed getting you a tutor. Perhaps Cristiano would be just the man.”
Armani gave a slight nod. “I would be most honored to do so.”
Tutor me in death, maybe.
“But we won’t even have the same classes! Wouldn’t another senior be better for him?”
“Cristiano has your same classes. He’s a junior.”
I gaped. “In what world is Armani here seventeen?”
Cristiano shrugged unapologetically. “They feed us better in Italy.”
“I’m sure that’s it.” I shoved out of my chair, sure to keep my hands beyond his reach.
Principal Clarke looked confused. “Who’s Armani?”
“Thanks but no thanks, Principal Clarke.” I wheeled and headed for the door.
“Madam,” Cristiano said softly. “Without a guide, I fear I cannot remain at your school. Neither can my family’s considerable donation.”
Son of a jackal.
“I can find you another student.”
“Not with the skills I require. I am afraid I will accept no other.”
“Aurora,” Principal Clarke said sharply. “Sit down. I’m calling your parents.”
“What?!”
“If this is some sort of Post-Traumatic Stress, they need to know,” she said. “And we’ll get you help. If it isn’t, then I have to discuss with them why you’re squandering an opportunity to improve your grades, to practice Italian with a native speaker, to gain a tutor, and to learn about a culture you clearly have a passion for. Your grades are
‘in the tank’ as you put it, there’s a rumor going around that you sleep through class, and you’ve befriended the town delinquents.” Principal Clarke picked up the phone. “So, what’s it going to be?”
Let’s see. Frying pan or fire. Which to choose?
CHAPTER 38
I don’t think the empty halls had ever been so terrifying. Cristiano kept a steady pace beside me, his leather loafers not making a sound on the polished floors. Like I was walking with a ghost.
Of course I agreed to be Armani’s stupid helper.
My parents had my back one hundred percent and would totally support my decision to avoid time with him, but—and here’s where it got sticky—not without a good explanation, which I couldn’t provide.
Would they be irritated with Principal Clarke for boxing me into a corner? Probably. Would they give me hell for everything else and watch me like a six-eyed hawk? Definitely. PTSD wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. Did I want that extra scrutiny and the added risk of dragging my parents into my supernatural soap opera? Not a chance.
Who knew Principal Clarke was such a master manipulator?
As we moved through the school, I kept my mouth shut, too worried about giving something away, saying the wrong thing, or being distracted when the assassin made his move. Also I kept an eye out for Horus and the rest of his team who probably had the perimeter covered. I kept a skittish distance and watchful eye.
Cristiano studied me from head to toe, smiling. “Thank you for accepting my offer.”
“Mmm-hmmm.” Like I had a choice.
“I really am an excellent tutor.”
Yeah. Knew all about your seduction guru skills. And what was with the warm and fuzzy touch? I quickened my step to add further distance, then slowed because he was too far behind me and out of my view. Man, this was confusing.
He smiled. “I am at your disposal.”
Until you decide to dispose of me.
He readjusted his too-new leather backpack. “Your hair has grown longer since last we met.”
I touched my hair, realized I was doing it, then dropped my hand. “Doubt it. Your hit-and-run was only a couple of days ago.”
“I do apologize for the accident, but actually I was referring to our liaison in Paris.”
I stumbled. Crap. And how did he make “liaison” sound so blatantly sexual that it caused me to blush? Seduction guru. Hello. Fight it Aurora, fight it.
Maybe if he didn’t think I was the same girl, he wouldn’t kill me. Maybe he wasn’t sure and that’s why he hadn’t killed me yet.
I cleared my throat. “I’ve never been to Paris.”
“Ah,” he chuckled. “I see. Well, technically I suppose you are correct in that perhaps you have never physically traveled to the city, however, I was hoping we could discuss—”
“We’re here!” I said brightly and shoved the library door open. “Ladies, look what I have for you, and he needs your help!”
The student helpers had shushed me instantly, then seen Armani and descended in a mad rush to assist in every possible way, giving me a chance to get away from him. I took it, shoving the Required Books list in the closest girl’s hand and heading off to get the ones I remembered.
The library wasn’t crowded enough for my liking. Admittedly, it was still first period, but more bodies would've been nice. All I had were the giggling, blushing student library workers ogling over Armani, helping to find the necessary texts on the list provided by our devoted principal.
I took the opportunity to slip into an aisle in back. Running my finger along the spines of books on the third row, I double-checked I wasn’t being watched before I bounced up on tip-toe and took A Complete History of Engineering off the top shelf.
No, it wasn’t required reading. I opened it and removed three silver spheres from hollowed out circles cut into the pages. About an inch in diameter and smooth and shiny, they were one of wacky Flint’s inventions. The Hex Boys had hid a few of them around school for use in case of emergency. I think this qualified.
I blew out a sigh, feeling better about having some sort of defense.
“I am sorry you missed your first class,” Cristiano said.
I jumped at his voice and slapped the book closed. He stood at the end of the aisle.
My hands started to sweat. I was at the back of the library, farthest from the exit and any witnesses. Perfect for the attack he could be plotting. But he didn’t know I had tiny weapons in my hand and behind me lay an unobstructed path to Flint’s secret door.
“If you were really sorry, you would’ve let Principal Clarke find you someone else.”
Armani shrugged. “True.”
I felt like a mouse, and he was a cat playing with his food. I didn’t like it.
“Mr. Cacciatori! I mean, Cristiano,” a girl called, making his name sound like a love song lyric then adding a giggle as a final note. “I found it.”
“Then I am in your debt.” Cristiano bowed to her and walked out of view.
I blew out a breath.
Suddenly, the entire building shuddered a groan. The lights cut out. I braced myself against a bookcase. Earthquake? It was California. But the librarian helpers let out startled yelps and fear clenched my chest. He was eliminating the only witnesses!
“Don’t hurt them!” I yelled as I groped down the aisle as fast as possible, swinging around the end just as the lights restored.
Armani stood near the counter, three girls wrapped around him in various stages of trembling terror. I rolled my eyes as the girls detached themselves, tittering apologies and remarking on how strong he was. Give me a break.
I stuffed the engineering history text in my backpack before grabbing another book and meeting Cristiano at check-out.
“I didn’t know we even had a foreign student program,” said the girl scanning the books.
“Bet we didn’t until thirty minutes ago,” I muttered, then chucked another book on the desk. “He needs this for English.”
“Romeo and Juliet?” Cristiano frowned. “Not one of my favorites.”
“That’s surprising.” I gave him a mocking glance. “Considering it’s an Italian story and full of lies, betrayal, murder, and mayhem, I would’ve thought it was right up your alley.”
He just smiled.
I waited for the bell to ring before leaving the library, preferring to use the crowd as a buffer from possible attack. I spotted basketball star Katie, since she was a head above most students, and introduced her to Armani. She was thrilled to engage. Especially since he towered over her.
“Italy?” she swooned, grabbing his arm and gazing up into his eyes. “How romantic! I love your accent. Talk to me about anything. Tell me all about your beautiful homeland.”
To his credit, he did, chatting cordially, but in effect, asking her most of the questions and avoiding talking about himself. She all but glowed. I relaxed. Almost. Because despite his solicitous attention toward Katie, I still felt his eyes on me. Constantly watching. Waiting.
Katie noticed.
“Oh, don’t even bother,” she said, annoyed. “Aurora is taken. Six ways to Hex Boys.” She laughed at her own joke.
Armani frowned. “I do not understand.”
“The Hex Boys. She’s got all six of them wrapped around her little finger. Even Matthias. Much to Mika’s distress. So don’t waste your time. But you can have my full attention.” Then she pulled him away.
Thank goodness.
We made it through second and third period without incident. He managed to snag a seat next to or behind me, the latter making me twitchy. I made a point of introducing Armani as our new exchange student, making sure there was enough fawning over him to keep his focus off me. As much as possible, anyway. I was starting to think I might live through the day. Or at least until ending bell.
Then fourth period hit, and I encountered what you might call, a snag. Or in layman’s terms…
A freaking disaster.
CHAPTER 39
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br /> Katie got one of her guy jock friends to take Armani into the boys’ locker room and find him gym clothes for P.E.
I raced into the girls’ locker room and didn’t bother changing, instead making a beeline for the gym because I wanted to find Coach Slader and talk him into some activity that separated girls and boys.
“Seriously, Aurora?” said Katie. “Why do you get all the luck? Teach me some Italian so I can be his bodyguard.”
Natasha placed her huge glasses in her locker. “Like he needs a bodyguard.”
“He needs that hot body guarded from the likes of you, so he’s mine all mine.” Katie checked her makeup in the mirror.
“Where’s Matthias?” Mika wanted to know. “None of the Hex Boys are here.”
Tell me about it. “Family business.”
Katie paused. “Did you plan this so you could have the Italian stud all to yourself?”
“Not even close.” I jogged into the gym and ran headlong into Luna and Lucian. “Jeez! What are you guys doing here? Beat it. Now!” I didn’t need them anywhere near Cristiano.
Lucian balked. “So you don’t want your latest secret mission info?”
Keeping an anxious eye on the boys’ locker room door, I maneuvered them toward the exit. “What are you talking about?”
“We can’t figure it out completely.” Luna held up some printed documents. “But we thought it might be relevant to where the Hex Boys went and decided we should let you know.”
“Know what?” I snatched the papers from Luna. “What are these?”
“They printed out on Aunt M’s computer early this morning,” Lucian said proudly. “It’s the analysis of the particulates.”
Ohhh, crap. The stuff found on the demon that Jayden was having analyzed.
“You idiots!” I nearly screamed, then shoved them into the hallway as I looked over the papers. Tristan was right. It was full of sciency jargon. So much so that I couldn’t make sense of it. “This isn’t a mission thing. It’s, ah, a science project Jayden is helping me with to improve my grades. How do you even know what it means? What does it say about particulates?”
