Page 58 of Cruel Games

“Watch your mouth,” she snapped. “If my father discovers you’re protecting violent whores, you’ll be back in the garrets of Paris, shooting heroin.”

Loud gasps filled the air. Despite the agony, a shocked breath escaped my lungs. Had she made that up? I clenched my teeth, my eyes. My fighting instincts urged me to kick out at Elizabeth, to flip her over, but I knew enough about dislocated shoulders not to risk it.

“Stop it!” cried Maeve. “What if you break her arm?”

Elizabeth gave my arm an excruciating yank. “Shut up, you ginger-haired trollop! I’m not letting go until Hand-Cock agrees to leave the academy.”

“I’m. Not. Leaving,” I snarled. The time for higher ground and turning the other cheek was over. As soon as she released my arm, I would make her regret ever having fucked with me.

“That’s it,” Miss Martin snapped. “I’m calling the headmaster.”

Elizabeth gave my arm another painful twist and booted me hard in the backside. I stumbled forward and crashed into a table, knocking down a box. Spools and bobbins spilled all over the floor.

I righted myself and spun around, just as the wretched cow upturned a table and raced out of the classroom. With a snarl, I lurched forward, but Miss Martin stepped in my path with her arms raised.

“Don’t go after her.” Pins protruded from the woman’s jet-black hair.

“If I let her get away with—”

Miss Martin placed her gnarled hands on my shoulders and gave me a shake. “Listen to me!”

I blinked up at the older woman, confusion cooling my fury. My pulse slowed, and I exhaled long breaths.

Before I could ask what she was doing, Miss Martin spoke. “I’ll report Miss Liddell’s behavior to both the headmaster and the Board of Governors. If anyone would like to write a witness statement, outlining the impact today’s behavior has had on your ability to feel safe at the academy, it will be much appreciated.”

My shoulders sagged. Rushing after Elizabeth would probably get me suspended or expelled. She had come at me deliberately and likely had a plan of action. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted to lead me into a trap.

Miss Martin closed down tailoring club early, and we all helped her pack up. As everyone left the room, she beckoned me over and asked me to sit on one of the tables.

“You mustn’t let a girl like Elizabeth Liddell distract you from a bright future in fashion.”

“I can’t let her continue to attack me.”

“She won’t be allowed into any classroom of mine, and I will recommend that the faculty ban her from rooms where she can turn the equipment into weapons.”

I ran a hand through my platinum locks and sighed. “Why does Elizabeth even bother?”

“This pattern of behavior happens all the time.” The teacher stretched my catsuit across a cutting table and drew a chalk shape around the hole. “Elizabeth Liddell has had everything a girl could want for. Beauty, intelligence, and a great start in life, yet she can’t distinguish herself among the other students.”

Wincing, I rubbed my throbbing shoulder. “Acting like a bitch isn’t going to make her grades any better.”

“But it might discourage the other girls from standing out.” She created another shape around the bust area. “Then you come along with your rough edges and raw talent, and it’s infuriating for a girl like her.”

“You think she’s jealous?”

“Darling, I’ve worked among bitches that make her look like Mary Poppins.” Miss Martin made a few snips in the fabric, creating the beginnings of a sexy keyhole. “Now, I’m going to show you how to turn this disaster into something devastatingly edgy.”

Chapter 21

Rumors spread around the academy about Elizabeth’s ‘breakdown,’ which were exacerbated by sightings of her mother sitting between Mr. Burgh and Mrs. Campbell the following day at lunchtime.

The scent of roasted chicken, sage and onion stuffing filled the dining room, which buzzed with chatter and speculations.

According to Kendrick, who continued to sit with us despite my refusal to date him, Elizabeth hadn’t been at church. My mind conjured up an image of her in a silken straight jacket thrashing in the back of a padded van rushing to an institution.

Lady Liddell glowered at our table. I met her green-eyed gaze, not allowing the older woman to intimidate me.

“Lilah,” Gideon’s voice snapped me out of the staring contest.