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An innocent flower in a field full of dark, poisonous ivy. It makes no sense how she remained seemingly untouched by the darkness, but it makes using her more difficult.
Under her innocent facade, there has to be that same relentless selfishness that her parents embody, and I’ll unearth it. I don’t believe she is as perfect as she appears on the surface, and I intend to tear her apart and reveal the truth before bringing her worthless family down along with her.
* * *
My heart poundshard against my rib cage as I head toward Eva’s hospital room. The prospect of seeing her has an unwanted effect on me. As I reach the room and glance into the window, I feel my stomach tighten.
Eva sits upright in bed, reading a book on veterinary science. Most girls would sit there scrolling through their phones on mind-numbing social media all day. I’ll give her one thing; she’s devoted to her dreams.
I hate that my admiration for her grows, especially as that admiration works against me. She will be collateral damage in my quest for revenge, but it would be easier if she were easy to dislike.
I draw in a deep breath and walk through the open door into her suite. She doesn’t notice me at first. “You’re coming back with me, Eva,” I announce, crossing my arms over my chest.
Her beautiful hazel eyes widen as she looks up at me. “Oh, I thought I was supposed to remain here for a few days, sir.”
I clench my jaw, feeling that desire tighten its hold on me at the use of that fucking word. “Why do you call me sir, Eva?”
Her brow furrows. “It’s what I’ve always called my teachers.” She shrugs. “I guess it’s natural in the south.”
She’s unapologetic about it and doesn’t ask whether she should stop. Deep down, I don’t want her to. “I see.” I keep my arms crossed over my chest. “Nurse Jasper is back today at the academy, and she’ll take care of you in the infirmary.”
Fear flashes into her eyes, and her throat bobs as she swallows. Understandably, she fears returning to the school after what happened. “Don’t worry. Those girls won’t go anywhere near you again,” I assure her, walking closer to her bed. “I guarantee it.”
I notice both a mix of curiosity and relief in her expression. “How can you be sure?”
I sit in the chair next to the bed, clenching my fists in balls to stop myself from reaching for her. “Professor Nitkin punished them. They wouldn’t dare touch you again.”
Her delicate throat bobs as she swallows again. “I see.”
A tense silence surges between us as we both stare at each other, electricity snapping through the air.
Her brow furrows. “Did you tell my parents?” Her voice is hesitant.
I can’t understand why I feel guilty about the answer. “I spoke with your father. He told me not to tell him of any more injuries you may sustain.”
A flash of sadness enters her stunning eyes, but it’s gone in an instant as she clenches her jaw. “Of course he did.” She glances at her hands on the bed, clenching her fingers together.
It’s hard not to pity her, which is a complication I don’t need. The heir to the Carmichael clan is the polar opposite of the people who wronged me five years ago, but it may be a front. I’m not ready to believe that she’s untouched by the darkness she grew up around.
“Are you ready to leave?” I ask.
Her lips purse and she squints at me. “Once I’m dressed… Although, I’ll need the nurse to help me get my pants on.”
I swallow hard at the mention of her needing to dress, which means she’s practically naked under the thin hospital gown. “I’ll search for one.”
“Thanks,” she says, returning her attention to the book.
I leave the room and search for a nurse but don’t see one. A young woman sits behind the reception desk, so I approach. “Excuse me, is there a nurse available to help my student dress?”
Her brow furrows as she glances at me. “They’re all busy. There’s been a terrible road accident, and all the staff is helping down at ER.”
I clench my jaw. “Can you help?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I’m not permitted to leave the desk unattended. We have a lot of confidential files here.”
I sigh heavily, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Fine.” I walk away, back toward her room.
Eva’s lying on the bed with her eyes shut and wrist against her forehead. I grind my teeth together at the thought of having to help her dress. I don’t have a choice.
