AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Millie’s expression drops as she follows me to her door.
“Sounds like you’re better off here.”
“Oh, I definitely am. But—”
“But what?” I ask, sensing her discomfort.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll see you tomorrow, Raine.”
I could push her, try and coax the truth from her. But I get it. Some things are too hard to talk about—too hard to admit. So I don’t.
“Thanks for tonight.”
“Until tomorrow.” She offers me a weak smile, some of the light dimmed in her eyes.
It’s too early to put my plan in motion yet but I need everyone to think I’m here. Which is why I make a quick stop in the communal kitchen, grabbing a can of pop and cereal bar, before heading to my room.
Once inside, I close the door behind me and flop down on my bed, checking social media. A stream of photos fills the screen. Keeley and her friends, the Saints rugby team… the Heirs.
The party is in full swing by all accounts and part of me still can’t believe that the faculty allows such things to happen on campus. But I guess money talks—and buys silence.
Theo proved that this week when he demanded everyone to get off my back. I didn’t witness him give the direct order but it’s the only thing that makes sense. I’ve seen the frustration in Keeley’s eyes, the desperation to go another round with me. But she’s held back. Her and the bitch brigade resorting to whispered insults and the odd death stare.
I haven’t allowed myself even an inch to think about how Theo felt pressed up against me that night, his fingers wrapped around my throat. Or what it might mean. Or the fact he wasn’t the only one turned on at the burning hatred and anger swirling between us.
He’s everything I hate.
Entitled.
Rich.
Cocky.
I’d have to be an idiot to ever forget that.
Glancing at the wall clock, I huff a little sigh of frustration. It’s going to be a long night.
Worth it though.
* * *
Iwait until almost a quarter to midnight, slipping out of my window and shimmying down the wooden trellis, trying my best not to tear down the climbing ivy growing on the side of the building.
The entire campus is littered with security cameras but the one on this corner of the building has a blind spot right where my room sits.
It was one of the first things I checked out when I arrived. An old trick I learned bouncing from foster home to foster home. To always know at least one escape route… just in case.
Dressed head to toe in black, the shadows gobble me up, providing enough camouflage for me to make it to the edge of the woods without being spotted.
Adrenaline pumps through me, making my heart gallop in my chest and my palms sweat. I pull the straps of my backpack a little tighter as I cut through the trees, sticking to the periphery. This route should bring me out alongside the Chapel while giving me enough coverage.
I hear the music and laughter before I see the building. It’s not the crowd I expected from the photos earlier, which suggests either everyone’s still inside or people have started to leave.
Either way, I plan to be in and out and tucked up in my bed before anyone even realises I’m here.
Spotting the row of sickeningly expensive cars, I drop to my knees and sling my bag off my shoulders, emptying out the contents. Uncapping the lid of the paint pen and shoving a second in my pocket, I slip out of the tree line and dart in between the BMW and Maserati. It seems like a shame to ruin such beautiful machines. But needs must.
Besides, they deserve it.
