“All right,” Ryan murmured. “Convince Ella to attend Homecoming with you this weekend. Do that, and we’ll know you’re serious. Then we can talk about a price.”
“Homecoming,” I repeated, pretending to think it over.
Clearly, Isabella hadn’t said a word to anyone about my proposition this morning. Not that I was surprised. She had no intention of joining me. But I’d change her mind soon enough.
“We’ll give you a taste of what’s to come Saturday night,” Ryan added in an attempt to sweeten the deal. “Consider it a test both ways. We’ll see if you’re as good as you seem to think you are, and we’ll prove we’re better than you could ever dream.”
I smirked. “I think you have that backward, dove.” I tapped her on her nose. “Because I’m far better than you could ever dream.”
“Then prove it,” sh
e taunted. “Take Ella to Homecoming.”
“If I do, the game begins,” I warned. “And I have to pretend to be hers, or there’ll be no future play.”
Respect gleamed in Ryan’s irises. “Understood. We’ll be discreet.”
I nodded. “Then you have yourself a test play, sweets.” My palm went to her hip again, squeezing. “Now tell me your names.”
They both giggled, shaking their heads. “As if you don’t know,” Ryan said.
“I don’t.” A total lie, but I enjoyed seeing some of the light dim from their eyes.
“Really?” Carmen sounded shocked.
“First day, new guy, remember?” I released Ryan. “I don’t even know who this Ella is yet.”
“The girl you dunked in swim class,” Carmen replied, her brow furrowing.
“Cinder?” I asked, snorting. “I thought this was supposed to be a challenge?”
Ryan laughed outright, shaking her head. “Oh, new guy, you have no idea. And I’m Ryan. This is Carmen. You’ll know all about us by the end of the week, assuming you don’t skip all your classes.”
I feigned amusement. “You heard about my day, did you?” I folded my arms to afford me some breathing room because their perfume was starting to give me a headache. Neither chick received the message.
“We hear everything at this school,” Ryan said, her statement resembling a threat. “We own this school.”
“Fascinating.” And unfortunately true, from what I’d observed. “Well, it was lovely meeting you both, but I have a plot to conceive and only three days to make it happen. Unless you want to give me a taste of our deal now?”
Carmen seemed on board with the idea.
Ryan merely smiled. “Not a chance, new guy. Prove yourself first, then we’ll talk.”
I returned her amusement. “I’ll more than prove myself.” With a wink, I pulled open the door to my car, successfully dislodging them along the way. “I look forward to our future together, ladies. I think it’ll be pleasurable indeed.” Particularly when I awaken Isabella’s powers and watch her fry you both alive.
Ah, and what a sight that would be.
“To the future,” I said, sliding into my car and shutting the door. May you both burn for eternity.
Chapter Five
Ella
“What the hell is this?” I demanded, thrusting a document into Tray’s face.
Not two minutes into my Wednesday morning and already I was in a mood. Courtesy of the new student jackass who had taken the table in front of mine in English again.
Just because we had a project to work on together did not mean we needed to sit near one another. I’d address that point just as soon as he explained the paper he’d left on my chair.