Why me? Why go through all that?
“It doesn’t matter to me either way.”
He nods sharply and looks away, almost like he’s hurt. But why the hell does he care what I think?
“As a punishment for going into the basement, you’re to stay in your room until class starts.”
“That’s not for another couple hours, and you can’t—”
“I can and I just did, pet. Go ahead and disobey. I’d love to spank your little ass until it’s pink and raw and you’re coming in my lap.”
I click my jaw shut as he exits the room and slams the door behind him, leaving me trembling with something between rage and desire.
I turn away and walk to the window. It’s a good view—the ocean in the distance, the jungle to the right, and the front walkway and driveway spreading out toward the campus. I look out and spot him step down onto the gravel again, stretching slightly like he’s working out tension. His body is strong and lean and I let myself marvel at him for a moment, but I can’t forget what he is. Monster, killer.
Lesley appears and they have a short conversation, and she stomps away looking annoyed.
He trusts her. I don’t know why, but she’s in deep. She’s allowed in the basement and I bet she’s allowed at the caves. Somehow, she knows more than all the others, but I’m not sure she’d tell me anything.
Doesn’t matter. Emilio isn’t talking anytime soon, and Terrence scares the living crap out of me. That guy’s way too big and I’m afraid he’ll crush my head with his hands if I ask the wrong question.
If I’m going to start anywhere, it might as well be with her.
Chapter6
Kaye
Ilounge back on the grass in the shade of a palm tree with Nathan and Dom. The cousins laugh about trying to sleep with some attractive science teacher they both have for Bio 101 while I drink an iced tea and watch the other students wander past. I haven’t met many people yet or made too many friends except these guys, and there’s a conflicted part of me that really wants to like them.
Nathan’s outgoing and funny. Dom’s serious and intense, but he’s got a soft side. Both of them go out of their way to hang out with me, which isn’t something I’m used to. All my life, my closest person was Lucy, and when she left to come to this island for school, it was like losing both a sister and a best friend. I’ve never been good at making friends, mostly because I’m weirdly shy and not very confident in myself, so I assume nobody’s going to like me very much.
Nathan and Dom are the rare exception to that rule.
Too bad they’re related to the man I’m sure had something do with my sister’s disappearance. Otherwise, I might actually enjoy spending time with them.
“You’re quiet, Kaye,” Nathan says, nudging me in the side. “How’s life as an undergrad in paradise?”
“I’m not sure I’d call it paradise.” I frown at my arms. “I got a sunburn.”
Dom laughs. “You’ll be fine. Wear sunscreen.”
Nathan gives me a sideways look. “How are you telling me this isn’t paradise? We’re surrounded by white-sand beaches and half the hot girls here walk around in bikini tops. It’s totally heaven.”
“Believe it or not, I don’t really care what the hot girls wear.”
“You know you are one of the hot girls, right?” Nathan winks at me.
“Could’ve fooled me,” Dom mumbles and Nathan punches his shoulder.
“Dude, the first thing you said on the ferry was you thought Kaye was hot, and now you’re trying to joke like she’s not? Come on, bro.”
Dom turns red with embarrassment, which is a shock. I didn’t know these guys had any shame at all, and it’s even crazier to imagine Dom thought I was attractive. Which I guess means he still does.
“I’m just kidding around,” Dom says, glaring at his cousin.
“Stupid joke,” I say and stand up, brushing my hands on my legs. “I am extremely attractive. This school would riot if I walked around in a bikini.”
Both guys laugh at that and the tension eases a bit. I’m embarrassed, and I can tell Dom’s a little mortified, although Nathan doesn’t seem to mind at all.