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A few more kids stop to watch my public humiliation on the first day of school. What the hell. I fight at the Pit, so why is this kid intimidating me? I sit up straight. “Now, I go to school here.”
He scoffs. “You? A student?”
“Yes. Me.” I reply heatedly, “I’m a senior.”
Pierce smirks. “Congratulations on your scholarship.”
One of the girls snickers. I flash her a sharp look and which she—undeterred—responds with a sneer.
“I’m not here on a scholarship,” I reply.
“Pierce.” The blond pushes his hair behind his ear. “Leave the help alone. You know you’re not supposed to fraternize with them.”
Pierce shrugs. “The help? Didn’t you hear? I’m having a conversation with our new student. How can I welcome her to the halls of higher learning if I don’t ask her name?” He smirks at me again, waiting for an answer. But I say nothing.
Encouraged by my silence, he steps closer until he looms over me.
“I am Pierce Vanderbilt of Rhode Island. Yes, my family donated the STEM research building.” He nods to the long-haired boy. “And this is Justin Leister of Connecticut. His family supports the symphony program.” Pierce continues to name the accomplishments of the other onlookers as I sit quietly out of place in my Stonehaven blazer and stiff skirt.
“Well,” laughs Pierce, “I’ve introduced all the people that matters.”
“Careful, Pierce.” The girl with the sign laughs, but Pierce motions her to be silent.
“Which leaves you.” Pierce turns back to me. “So if you’re not the help, then who are you?”
I glare, thinking if he was in the ring, I’d knock out his shiny white teeth.
“I’m Astrid Bowen of Weymouth. I’m not lost. I’m not on a scholarship. My family is paying just like yours.”
“I’ll bet they are,” he mutters under his breath.
“Pierce, don’t act like that.” Wyatt stands at the end of the table, and his arms are folded over his chest. If I hadn’t seen his face the night before, I’d never believe it was the same guy. He looks good in his uniform, but he also seems so normal.
“I’m the welcoming committee,” Pierce replies as he puts his hand on the nape of my neck, not bothering to hide his eyes stripping me naked with every gaze. “And I believe you deserve a personal welcome.”
I meet his gaze with white-hot fury, and lift my chin even though my hands are shaking—from nerves or anger, I can’t even tell.
“Astrid!” Gary walks out to the kitchen and barrels toward me. “Why aren’t you in the kitchen? You’re late for work. Where is your uniform? You can’t wear that.”
“I don’t work here!” I scream back like a maniac.
Pierce smirks smugly and adds, “Anymore.”
I stare at the worker with the pickax depicted in the stained glass window and wish he’d send a bolt of lightning down from heaven to dissolve all our sorry asses. I wanted nothing more than to straighten out Gary, explain to him that I’m in school, and that I’m not going back to working in the kitchen.
“New students have to pay their dues, Astrid.” He leans closer until the only thing I see is his smug perfect face. “And I expect you to pay me yours very soon.”
“Or you’ll what?”
A look of surprise passes over his face briefly before his expression hardens. I don’t think he’s ever had anyone talk back to him like that.
“Know your place, and mind your mouth.” He whispers—voice dangerously low. “Unless you’re ready to put it to work.”
And then suddenly, he lets go of me and walks away with the other boys.
I look around, and realize that everyone is watching. The air suddenly feels a lot colder than it was just a few minutes ago.
I want to have the last word, but my gut tells me that it’s better to keep my mouth shut. Pierce and the boys walk away, and I feel someone else staring—someone who is taking pleasure in my humiliation. My gaze scans the hall and lands on a blonde at the opposite corner, glaring daggers at me before she turns her face away.
No more words needed to be said, but I got the message:
Welcome to Stonehaven, bitch.
Welcome to hell.
