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SAOIRSE
“Hello! Earth to Saoirse.”Beibhinn bumps her shoulder against mine, drawing my gaze away from the murderous glare of the devastatingly handsome arsehole who, mere seconds ago, dismissed me as if I were last week's trash.
Logically, I know I shouldn’t give a shit what Rohan King thinks of me, but there was something about his distasteful appraisal and penetrating glower that left my skin crawling. As much as I hate to admit it, a hostile fire coursed through my veins when he tugged the nameless blonde closer to his chest, leaving me with unmentionable emotions I have no right to feel.
I couldn’t be jealous. No, it’s not possible.
My stomach knots as the weight of my realisation sinks in, knocking me for six. Yet, I refuse to give in to those thoughts and what they may mean, especially when all Rohan deserves is my hate,notmy affection.
Shaking those thoughts from my head, I focus on Liam, Beibhinn, and Aodhán. “Sorry. I zoned out for second, first-day nerves and all that.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, and judging by the three sets of eyes silently calling me out on my bullshit, they know better than to believe it.
Thankfully, Aodhán steps in beside me, breaking the heavy silence by wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into a side hug. “Don’t stress, princess. I was just telling my cousins”— he tilts his chin towards Liam and Beibhinn — “to bring you to the party on Friday.”
My eyes dart towards Liam, and I ignore the rage in his stormy eyes and do my best to keep things light. “You’re related?”
“Our mam is his dad’s sister,” Beibhinn punctuates with an eye roll while Liam grumbles behind clenched teeth with clutched palms. “Unfortunately!”
“Now, now, Devereux.” Aodhán whips his arm from my shoulder and prowls forward. His carefree smile is replaced by something far more devious. Nose to nose, Liam and Aodhán stand-off. “You’re just sore because I’m Grandad’s favourite.” His taunting lilt is doused with condescension, but it’s the way his eyes narrow with a threatening glare that has my skin prickling.
My heart pounds against my rib cage as my eyes widen at the sight before me. There’s no denying the fight for dominance shining from both of their eyes.
Liam tilts his head to the side, lowering his mouth to Aodhán’s ear before whispering something inaudible.
Aodhán cocks his head back, a laugh fleeing past his lips into the morning breeze. His feet fall back, creating space between them as he walks backwards. Once I’m within reaching distance, he halts, eyes trained on me. “You’rehis,Saoirse.” His eyes slowly trail towards the entrance, where Rohan’s eyes are still trained on me. “The sooner you realise that, the better off we’ll all be.”
With those parting words, he departs.
My confusion settles heavily on my brow as I whip my gaze back to Liam and Beibhinn. “What the fuck did he mean, I’mRohan’s?” I wave towards the dark figure filling the doorway with his stifling presence.
Behind rage-filled eyes, Liam remains mute before he strides off without a word. Finally, Beibhinn loops her arm through mine, guiding me towards the school. “It’s just Aodhán being Aodhán. His charm will draw you in and gain your trust. But don’t let his boyish dimples fool you. After all, a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing is still a wolf.”
Her cryptic words stumble around my head, but now is not the time to question the meaning behind them.
“Enough boy drama for a Monday.” Beibhinn steers our conversation in a new direction. “Let’s get you to the office and get your schedule.”
Slipping my confidence mask in place, I follow her lead, not missing the wink Rohan gifts me as I stride by him with my head held high.
You’re his, Saoirse.Aodhán’s words echo in my mind.
Think again, arsehole. The only person I belong to is myself.
* * *
After Beibhinn dropsme off at the principal's office for my induction, Ms Kavanagh, Killybegs Secondary School’s headmistress, gives me a rundown of my class schedule and how to navigate the black and purple colour coding on my timetable.
“As you can see from your map” — she points to the piece of paper in my hand —“we've divided the school into four floors, all colour coded for easier navigation. Your classes will all be held in the senior section stationed on the third and fourth floor.” My eyes flick towards her, noting the sweet smile on her fresh face.
“The ones marked black are on the third floor, all the elective and common areas, the gym, library, computer and science labs, art and music rooms, etc, and of course, the cafeteria. All of your core classes are on the fourth floor, marked in purple.”
I nod, hoping I understand the gibberish leaving her mouth. “My electives are on the third floor, marked in black, and my core subjects are on the fourth floor, marked in purple. Got it.”
“Perfect. I’ve tried my best to place you in as many classes with the Devereuxs as possible, considering they’re the only people you know here, but with your grades being as high as they are, it wasn’t possible to have them in every class.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure I’ll manage without the hand-holding.”
A small smile tugs on her lips, but she lowers her gaze as she pushes out of her chair, hiding it from me. “Well then, let me show you where your locker is and give you a quick tour and then we’ll get you to your first class — double period of Honors English with Mr Lynch.”
Rising from my chair, I hike my bag over my shoulder and head towards the door she’s holding open.
