Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 157308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
“That was nothing. Nothing happened and nothing was going to happen.”
I kept repeating it until I believed it.
Chapter Six
Tuesday morning, I repacked my bag for the new day of classes. The best part about having only Psychology Intro and Anthropology that day was that neither of them was English. I still couldn’t think about the day before in his office without kicking myself. Why didn’t I listen to the man when he said we needed to keep it professional? I was determined to make a fool of myself in front of him, and I had no idea why.
Glancing at the clock, I read six a.m. and picked up the pace. Anthropology wasn’t until ten, but I missed the Rogues the day before and didn’t want to miss them again. As much as I didn’t trust them, I couldn’t resist the urge driving me on to see what they were going to pull to convince me.
Rafael gave a big speech about draining the will to live out of Winter’s tormentors, but the fact remained they had futures and freedom to lose and they weren’t going to risk it over a girl they didn’t know, to help another strange girl who wasn’t going to pay them. Even if they weren’t working for the Royals, the small-time prank they pull will seal the deal.
Only I would go as far as it takes.
I walked out of the dorm as Katie walked up the stairs, sipping her latte. “Hey, were you coming to see me?”
“You are so full of yourself. How do you support that big head on those bony shoulders?”
“Good morning to you too, Katie. See you around.”
I strode off. Katie fell in step with me, proving for as long as I lived, I’d never understand this woman.
It was a perfect autumn day. Leaves danced with the wind, kicking up rainbow swirls everywhere I looked.
“I heard what happened at the party. You busted in with the biggest damn ladle you could find, and stirred the shit right up.”
I chuckled at the image. “I want to disagree, but it pretty much went down exactly like that. You can say I told you—”
“I told you so, dumbass.” Katie whirled me around and I finally saw the concern written on her face. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? It wasn’t enough that you crashed, you had to go and punch her! Saylor told every Royal in the university that you’re public enemy number one. Why didn’t you listen to me?”
“I didn’t want any of that to happen,” I cried. “I just wanted to see the people who hurt Winter. To know who they are and if they felt an ounce of remorse. Yay,” I mocked, “I’ve got my answer.”
Katie blew out a breath. “There’s no choice now. You have to transfer out of Regalia University.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“There you go again, ignoring the wise advice coming out of my mouth. Can I just ask, what the hell is wrong with you?” She planted her hands on her hips. “Did you come here looking for punishment as some kind of disturbing penance? Did you want to get the Royals riled up, so that when they strike, you have an excuse to strike back hard?”
“No, and no. I told you why I’m here and what I want, Katie. My answer won’t change no matter how many times you ask. But you feel free to answer some questions for me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“What does it mean that Saylor made me public enemy number one? Is that all it takes for people to write on my back, knock me around, and try to get me expelled for cheating? She snaps her fingers, then Royals and Dregs attack the straggler bringing up the pack?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Saylor may be a Burkhardt, but people aren’t about to fight her battles for her just because she says to. Don’t get me wrong, you just pissed away your chance at making any friends at this school—no one is trying to be on her enemy list with you. But ignoring you and trying to get you expelled are two different things.”
“Obviously, it’s not. People are coming after me because of her.”
Katie shook her head. “Open your eyes, Sinclair. Saylor hates that the school isn’t Royals only. If she had the power to drive out everyone she can’t stand, the student body would be cut in half right now. I’m telling you, punching Saylor will have consequences, but she’ll dole those out personally. For the whole school to turn on you, there’d have to be something in it for them. They...”
She trailed off, brows furrowing.
“They?” I prompted. “They what?”
She mumbled something, turning away and gazing over her shoulder. I followed her line of sight but saw nothing other than the library and gym.
“Katie?”
Shaking herself, she faced me. “They won’t bully you on her orders.” Katie pushed out her lips. “Well, Piper, Gabriella, and Everleigh are going to make your life hell, but you’d expect no less. Girlfriends stick together.”