She looks at me wide eyed and fearful. She didn’t mean to say that. It doesn’t take long for her to avert her gaze.
“SB, look at me. What the hell are you talking about? My bloodline? I barely even have any family. Just Cecelia and my grandpa, whom I’ve yet to meet. It’s nothing special.” I try to get her to look at me, but she won’t.
“Come on, we’ll be late to physics if we don’t hurry. Let’s drop the heavy stuff and game plan later. Just please, try to keep your cool for the rest of the day? Lunch is after our next class and I don’t know about you, but that’s my favorite subject.” She skips ahead forcing laughter.
I have no idea what just happened but whatever, I hate being late for class. I’m sure I’ll figure it out sooner or later.
Chapter Eight
Quinn
I’m not gonna lie. Today was exhausting and I’m glad school is out. I only got into one fight, and it was during my gym class so hardly anyone even noticed. That girl won’t be coming at me again though, now that she knows how I’ll make her plastic face look more like ground beef. Hopefully, she’ll spread the word that I’m not the one to mess with. If not, I guess they’ll all have to get fucked up. I’m sure everyone here can afford the plastic surgery, right?
Other than that there were some whispers here and there about me being trash or ghetto filth and someone got clever and actually filled my locker with garbage. I’d kept all my stuff in my bag, though, so I didn’t even flinch. I’m sure that pissed someone off, but whatever.
They’ll have to try much harder to really bother me. My favorite rumor so far is that I’m not actually a Salvatore, but someone who’s scamming my family for access to the real Alessandra's inheritance. I’m not mad, though. Not many are brave enough to actually confront me and a few put downs or small pranks aren’t enough to scare me off. The royals on campus hardly even acknowledged my existence today outside of those private instances, so I won’t concern myself with them until I absolutely have to. Lunch was crazy delicious though.
SB was right— it’s my new favorite subject. They have actual menus to order from. It’s a little insane to me that it’s run more like a restaurant, considering my old school could hardly make food that didn’t taste like an old microwave dinner.
My classes all went well, but now that I’m finally walking out to my car, I’m wishing I hadn’t parked so far. My bag isn’t as light as it was this morning. I have a lot to catch up on, so I’m bringing everything home. Thank God, most stuff is digital now and can be submitted through my school issued MacBook. It’s going to be a long night for sure. SB was parked in the main lot, so she bailed on me a few minutes ago but she’s definitely starting to grow on me. She’s both intriguing and annoying. I can’t remember a time I had anyone that I could actually call my friend. I guess only time will tell if it lasts but I’m not counting on anything. She made me call her from my phone and told me she’d text me later, but I won’t hold my breath. She literally just spent all day with me.
I go to click the key fob, looking up to see where I parked my car, except it isn’t here. I pull my school map out to make sure I’m not missing something but no, it should be right here.
Fuck.
Fuck,fuck, fuck!
Is this actually happening?My car got stolen on my first goddamn day?! The other shit was petty and kind of expected, considering I’m the new girl but this is too fucking much. I thought this fancy ass school had legit security and shit. Fuck me. I pull out my phone to call Cecelia when I hear that unmistakable gravelly voice behind me.
“Lose something?” I turn to see Matteo, flanked by two guys. Great, he brought along Tweedledee and Tweedledum. I recognize the blonde one as Noah. This other guy though, he must be the last of the remaining ‘kings.’ What was his name, again? Camden. Captain. Maybe Corbin? Also, why are all of these guys so damn attractive? Like you can’t look at them directly or you’ll turn into a pile of hormonal goo. It’s like they were manufactured in a lab or something. Normal dudes don’t look like this, that’s for damn sure.
“What. The. Fuck. Did you do?”
I’m so mad I almost don’t notice how close they get as they move in on me. Well, fuck that. I’m not getting boxed in by three giant ass guys. Dropping my bag and quickly pulling my knife from my boot, I fall into a defensive stance like it’s second nature. The newest member of the bunch, this flawless boy with dark hair highlighted with auburn streaks in the sun and soul crushing hazel eyes, holds up his hands as if he’s defenseless and not the one moving in on me, but his calculating gaze gives him away.
“Whoa, calm down Q. We just came out here to talk to you.” His attempt at passive might work on someone else but I know a threat when I see one. Q? As in Quinn? No one here so far has called me by my requested name, not even SB. This feels a lot like manipulation.
“Fuck you, Red. Where’s my car?” I respond to the new guy but look to Matteo, since he’s clearly the ringleader.
“Bro, I’m dead ass serious. My car had better be back here and in perfect condition within the next five minutes.”
“Or what? Hmm? What do you think a tiny girl like yourself can do to the three of us?” He holds out his hands, gesturing to his boys on either side of him. Confidence exuding from his pores as he gives me a smug grin. He no doubt thinks because they are bigger and clearly stronger than me, that I’ll be intimidated. Not today fuck face.
Moving fast, I don’t have time to think about it as I swing my leg around and kick Pretty Boy in the chest with all my weight, catching him off guard comes to my advantage and has him flying backwards. I throw my elbow back into Red’s solar plexus and then drop my fist into his groin. Without watching to see him drop to his knees, I fling myself upright and slam my booted foot on His Majesty’s instep and throw my knife up to meet his jugular, just close enough to make a small knick but not enough to actually cut him deep. I watch the small trickle of blood for a moment before moving my gaze to his.
“You don’t wanna know what a small girl like me is capable ofYour Majesty.” I say with a smirk as I back away slowly.
“Get my car back here. Now. Day one and I’m already done dealing with your bullshit. Un-fucking-believable.”
“So. Fucking. Hot. Can we keep her? Please?! C’mon, just imagine how good it could be. You know she’s going to be wild in bed, maybe even a little dangerous.” I swing my gaze over to Noah, noting the malicious gleam radiating from his eyes. He’s a deviant freak, that one. My body apparently appreciates that about him but actually, fuck that.
Laughing I remind him,
“Nah, pretty boy. You already know I don’t get down with the court jester. Try someone in your own league.” I look over and see Red getting up off the ground, scowling.
“I have a name you know, it’s Cohen, Cohen Beckett. Feel free to use it.” He turns an appreciative look my way before he locks it down. I doubt many people get the better of him and he’s trying to figure me out because of it. He likes this. I’m a problem for him to solve, an impossible equation. I give him a blank stare in return. You’ll get nothing from me, sir.
“Hm, I like Red better. Plus, I have absolutely no intention of talking to you beyond this, so no need for the formalities. Just let me know where you hid my car and then kindly fuck off.” I say in the most snarky tone I can muster.