Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 131789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
“That was decent.”
“I guess.”
His feelings for Casey haven’t been a secret. Considering she seemed pretty receptive to him, I’m not sure why he hasn’t moved on that. Not that I’ve known Fenn to be the relationship type. But if anyone were going to tame a famously promiscuous guy like him, it’d be a girl like her.
“I’m glad we’re stepbrothers,” I say. Because for all we’ve been through, I don’t think I’ve ever said those words out loud. Given everything, I think maybe it bears mentioning.
He chuckles. “Yeah. Me too.”
Suddenly a flashlight sweeps through the darkness. I catch its beam right in the face and squint as I get to my feet beside Fenn.
“Names. Both of you.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. The overzealous housefather of the junior dorm comes traipsing across the field. I guess someone should have articulated to Lucas the imperative to not get caught walking in drunk off his ass and smelling of pot.
“Wanna make a run for it?” Fenn mutters.
I couldn’t run ten feet right now without falling over. “You first.”
As we stand there drunk out of our minds, the housefather calls the headmaster to get here on the double. Within minutes, Headmaster Tresscott is giving us a disapproving scowl while inspecting the obscene state of my face.
“I’m extremely disappointed in both of you,” he tells us. He’s usually even and reserved, so the anger vibrating in his voice is chilling. “I’ll deal with the two of you in morning. Go back to your dorm and stay there.”
But after we’re dismissed, he doesn’t let me follow Fenn. With a sharp nod, he pulls me aside. And I know it’s coming. Pack up my shit and be ready to leave in the morning.
Damn. I didn’t even make it a whole semester. That’s a new record.
“Seems you had quite an evening, Mr. Shaw. Do you need medical attention?”
The headmaster doesn’t appear especially surprised by my appearance, which only confirms what Lucas had said ages ago. Tresscott is absolutely aware of the fights. For a guy as obsessive as he is about surveillance, there’s no chance in hell he’s oblivious. Which means he’s clearly chosen to ignore them, same way he ignores most of the illicit activities that take place on this campus.
“Nothing a bag of frozen peas won’t cure, sir.”
He lifts a brow. “This is the second time I’ve found you with similar bruises.”
“Yes, sir. He had it coming.”
There’s no mistake between us as to who was on the other end of this masterpiece. And I take it Dr. Tresscott is no fan of Duke, because he spares the slightest twitch of a smirk in response. It quickly evaporates, however. Replaced by a stern frown.
“I’m aware of your relationship with my daughter,” he says stiffly. “And that you’ve since broken up.”
“Yeah, well. About that.” An unwitting smile springs free. “There’s been some recent developments in that regard, sir.”
He crosses his arms, none too pleased at the revelation. “Do I need to remind you of the discussion we had outside my home, Mr. Shaw? And perhaps you can explain how you interpreted that to mean I was giving you permission to date my daughter?”
“I didn’t. Interpret it that way,” I clarify. “I, ah, disregarded your orders.”
The headmaster frowns and opens his mouth to speak, but I hurry on before he can object.
“But hear me out, sir. Just for a moment. I know this probably sounds rich coming from me, but you don’t have to wonder about my ulterior motives. I care about Sloane, and I want to do right by her. So I’m asking you to give me chance. I admit I’ve been a screwup at my other schools, but that doesn’t mean I can’t treat her well. She’s teaching me,” I add with a self-deprecating grin. “I’m trying to be a better person. And I know I can be a good boyfriend to Sloane.”
I peer at his face through my one good eye, trying to gauge his reaction to my little speech. Sloane would never admit it, but I know it’s important to her that her dad not hate me. Or at least that he give his reluctant permission to our relationship. It’s one less thing she has to worry about.
He considers me for a moment before clearing his throat. “Take care with her. She’s not as unbreakable as she looks.”
Relief washes over me. “Yes, sir. I know.”
It’s what makes her love so precious. It’s extraordinarily rare and almost impossible to obtain. I won’t take that for granted again.
I offer a hopeful look, unable to stop from pushing my luck. “I don’t suppose this means you’ll take it easy on Fenn and me tonight? Given that we’re practically family now.”
He gives me a solid pat on the shoulder. “No chance, Mr. Shaw.”
Chapter 54
Lawson
The post-carnage festivities fizzle out with a whimper. After all that blood and sweat, and a handle of tequila, I’ve got a taste for something salty and sweet. Yet somehow I find myself wandering the dark lawns all by my lonesome after Silas managed to sneak away into the night without so much as a kiss goodnight.