However, Mac didn’t join in. He stared at me, waiting for my laughter to die out. “Yes and—”
“Pres, there you are.” A familiar voice carried over the courtyard.
I stood up straighter and turned just in time to see the hot girl sauntering our way. Her dark hair was cut short she had on a leather jacket, a band tee, and fitted black jeans. It looked far better on her than the tux she’d worn at the party. Even then, she’d made my mouth water if only she hadn’t been one of the assholes hunting us like sport.
Remembering that fact, I glared at her as she approached. “Oh, hey, cutie.”
I turned to Mac. “Thanks for the tour. I’ll see you at school.”
Mac’s mouth tilted up in a smile. “Okay, see you later, Keegan.”
“Leaving so fast?” The girl moved in front of me, and it took everything in me not to react. I knew it was all she wanted.
“Got shit to do.”
“You should cancel and hang out with me instead.”
She can’t be serious, right?I let out a dry laugh. “Not happening.” I moved around her, forcing myself to walk slowly.
“Hey, new girl!”
I didn’t stop. There was no way in hell I was responding to that.
“I can’t wait till school starts.”
My stupid feet stopped on their own, and I turned to look at her. “Me either.” I winked before I left.
The kings had another thing coming if they thought I would be like everyone else and bow to them. I had one year in this hell hole. Their best bet was to leave me alone, or they might find themselves dethroned.
The cool morningair whipped by me as I ran along the unmarked path. Going for a run first thing in the morning was my least favorite thing, but I had an overabundance of energy that wouldn’t go away. Maybe because today was the first day of hell. I mean, senior year at Press Prep.
My lungs burned as I pushed myself harder, making every muscle in my body scream in protest. I really shouldn’t have stopped all exercise after coming out here. In my defense, my mind had been occupied with a billion other things.
I still had no idea why Richard had married my mom or why he was set on having me here. It would be so much easier for him if they’d left me behind. Nothing had been asked of me ever after I went to that stupid party nothing came of it. My mind was going in constant circles, and there was no way out.
Shaking my head, I went faster, wanting everything gone and to be free of the bullshit life continued to pile on me. I turned and extended my run.
The moment I saw the gates of the house, I exhaled a sigh of relief. I slowed down to a jog as I came up to them. Two guards glanced my way before the gates opened up for me.
I rolled my eyes. Richard had security like he was president or a mob boss.Knowing this town, that’s probably a possibility.I avoided the front door and instead went around back.
Eleanor glanced up from the stove as I stepped into the kitchen. Her mouth was moving, but none of her words reached me as Linkin Park blasted in my ears. I took the earbuds out. “Sorry, what was that?”
“You better hurry along and come eat breakfast. You don’t want to be late for school,” Eleanor said.
She was an older woman. The hairs at her temple were stark white compared to the rest of her auburn hair. The corners of her eyes held lines that spoke of her beautiful smile. She was what I’d imagined a mother would be like. If only life was fair, and I’d been given someone like Eleanor instead of Savannah.
“School is going to be hell regardless.”
Eleanor sighed, not correcting me on the fact. “As long as you keep your head down, sweetie, everything will be fine. I went to Press Prep, and as an...”
My stomach tightened. “Expendable.”
Eleanor’s usual bright eyes dulled slightly as she glanced away from me.
“That’s fucked up.”
“Yes, well, this place has its flaws, but it works.” Eleanor started cooking once more, leaving her back to me.