Page 50 of Queen’s Gambit

“I can see why he wants you and why you think you want him. But Edmundo isn’t going anywhere. He’ll never amount to anything.”

“But you will?”

“I’m already there, but I need someone who can solidify my position.”

“You mean I would marry you and give you a child, preferably a boy?”

“See, this is how I know you’re perfect. You are primed, ready, and understand the way of things.”

It took everything in me not to flinch when he let go of my other arm and ran his fingers down my face like he was inspecting me. My rage was on the edge of an eruption, but I kept it caged and showed nothing on my face. At least I could thank my father for that skill.

This moment proved my fears. I wasn’t seen as a person with a mind of my own, who had hopes, dreams and skills.

“I’ve always known what is expected of me,” I said.

“Maybe, but I meant primed to get pregnant.”

As well-schooled as I was at keeping my composure, I couldn’t keep the shock off my face. He’d actually said the dirty part out loud. I was nothing more than a prized broodmare and a way to climb the ladder to a more substantial level of wealth.

“What?”

“Your cycle...I’ve been following it.”

He wasn’t just a pig—he was psychotic, and I didn’t even want to know how he knew. The possibility of him searching through my garbage was absolutely revolting. Here I was begging Eddie to get me pregnant and he refused, respecting me too much. That was the difference between Eddie and scum like Lawrence…Eddie knew my worth, saw me as more, and loved me for me not what I could do for him.

“We will be a power couple to crush all others,” he said, looking down as one hand went to my chest and the other between my legs.

It was now or never because my suspicions were quickly becoming a reality. I raked my nails across Lawrence’s face, catching him off guard and drawing blood. He yelled and stepped to the side, but it was all the room I needed. Wrapping the leather strap of my bag around my hand, I swung at his head with all my might and caught him across the jaw. The momentum of the textbooks slammed him into the wall, but he wouldn’t be stunned for long.

Turning, I sprinted away, screaming hysterically. I looked over my shoulder and saw Lawrence just as he reached the pathway lamplight. It seemed to repel him like the demon he was.

“Help,” I bellowed again, and guards came running up the driveway and from the direction of the dorms.

“What’s wrong,” one of them asked.

I pointed and glanced back the way I’d come, but Lawrence was nowhere to be seen.

“Someone tried to grab me and drag me off the path,” I said, shaking.

“Do you know who it was,” a second guard asked as the first arranged for men to search the property.

“I…I didn’t get a good look at their face.”

Rage filled me, and I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs that it was Lawrence, but what the hell would Eddie do? What would my father do? He would certainly force me home and not let me return. I couldn’t let that happen. This was my only piece of freedom and there was no way that I was letting Lawrence take that from me. I’d just have to figure out another way to deal with him.

“I’ll walk you to the dorm.”

Nodding, I followed along beside him, scanning every single bush and possible hiding spot we passed. Lawrence wasn’t crazy enough to jump out and run at us, but a part of me wished that he would give the guards a reason to take him out.

We stepped inside, and I spotted Paul sitting in the foyer reading.

“I’ve got it from here, thank you.”

“Are you sure? I can escort you right to your room,” he said, but I shook my head.

“No, that’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

I pointed to Paul, who looked up like he knew I was about to talk about him. Paul immediately stood up and walked over.