What is his obsession with me being angry?I wanted to laugh at myself. Applying logic to Hawke was like questioning life’s purpose with multiple answers, but none or all could be right.
“We have all the subjects covered.”
It shouldn’t have bothered me that they were spending so much time with her, but I couldn’t ignore the deep irritation in the middle of my chest. I should have thought of holding her grades over her head. Another way to make her bow to me. The thought of using my usual tactics didn’t sit right, not to mention I got the feeling Keegan wouldn’t give a damn if we kidnapped her and dropped her off in the middle of the woods to find her way back home. She hadn’t been born into a silver spoon. Going without wouldn’t faze someone like her.
“Good, she is behind on everything.”
Hawke laughed and stared at me, waiting for me to crack. We both knew that wouldn’t happen over something so trivial. “Yeah, and if we don’t get her to catch up, how will she be at the top with us?”
My chest constricted, and I stopped walking. Hawke kept going as if he hadn’t said something utterly insane. I created this close-knit group for a reason. Our plan was to be at the top. It had been the four of us for as long as I could remember, and now Hawke was adding another. Anger prickled at the back of my neck. Keegan was messing things up.
“Oh look, there’s Corpse now.”
My gaze tracked her down instantly. Rem had her pulled close to her body as they laughed. When had they all gotten so close to her?
Rem met my gaze and gave a slight nod. She whispered something to Keegan before pulling away from her. A few girls who’d been close flocked to Rem the moment she was free. Half of them wouldn’t be given the time of day. If there was one thing my friend didn’t do, it was repeats.
“I’m going to win the bet,” Hawke said.
“What bet?”
He shook his head and skipped away like a schoolgirl and not the hulking eighteen-year-old he was. “Corpse!”
Keegan shook her head at him but there was a smile on her face, one that made my stomach tighten.Shit, I need to get her out of my system, squash her like a bug, and be done with her.
I followed behind Hawke at a leisurely pace contemplating my next moves. Before I knew it, I was standing next to them. Hawke hung all over Keegan. She hadn’t pushed him off, looking resigned to Hawke’s touchy-feely nature. The ball turning in my chest expanded. It felt as if she was more integrated than I’d realized.
“Heard you’re getting help with those poor grades of yours?”
Keegan’s shoulders tensed as she glared my way. The simple thrill that shot through me nearly made up for the unease she caused.
“Fuck off, Luxious.” She flipped me off as she kept walking. She removed Hawke’s arm from around her shoulder.
I think I understand why Hawke enjoys pushing my buttons now.Seeing Keegan angry was just as exciting as making people cower in fear. Other students moved out of her way. She’d made a name for herself even if some of the elites called her trash, the lower students, the expendables, stood clear of her.
I smirked as I caught up to Keegan and grabbed her wrist, stopping her. Keegan swung, and I caught her fist in my hand. “You still haven’t learned your place, I see.”
She smiled at me, all teeth like a dog baring its canines at another predator. “It’s going to be over your passed-out body if you keep it up.”
A single brow lifted as I stared at her. She couldn’t possibly think she could take me. My heart rate kicked up, and I leaned forward, making sure to stay clear of that naughty mouth of hers.
“Then why don’t we see about that.” I tightened my hold on her hands. “Who will be under who.” I twisted her around just as she tried to knee me in the groin. A laugh tumbled free of me against my will. “Nice try, but you’re like a mouse trying to play with a lion.”
“You think real high of yourself, don’t you?” Keegan growled. She fought against my hold, but she wasn’t going anywhere. “Luxious.”
My name on her tongue was sweet and spicy. I swallowed back the groan. “Come on.” I steered her toward the front doors.
“Not happening.” Her gaze danced over the students moving out of our way. None of them were going to stop me. Keegan looked back, and Hawke waved. “Have fun, Corpse. Try not to die. I have plans for that already.”
She glanced at me. “Do I even want to know what he’s talking about?”
“He’s already planned how you will die.”
Her eyes widened before sighing. “I’m not surprised.”
I steered Keegan outside while she was still distracted. “If it makes you feel better, he only plans out the ones he likes. Anyone else is spontaneous.”
“Yay.” Her voice dripped heavily with sarcasm. “One controlling bastard and a psycho. Oh, how did I ever get so lucky?”