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“Still, we must text every day,” she says, squeezing my hand. “I can’t believe you are staying here on your own for Christmas.”
I shrug. “I’ve got a lot of studying to catch up on for the SATs next year.”
“Boring.” She rolls her eyes. “If you get bored, grab a cab down to Boston and call me.”
“I won’t get bored,” I say, knowing that with more certainty than she could understand. I can’t think of anything better than spending two weeks with Oak alone in his cottage.
Camilla appears through the doorway and approaches us. “Thank God I didn’t miss you, Nat. I thought you’d already be gone.” She gives me a sad look. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
I nod. “Certain.”
Adrianna approaches from behind, startling all of us. “She’s as sure as the ten other times you asked her.”
I laugh at that. “Indeed. You all ready?”
Adrianna nods. “Yeah, my driver’s waiting outside to take me to the airport. I envy you two being able to drive home.”
Adrianna lives over the border in Mexico, so she has to fly home. She gives me a hug and then the other two. “See you all in two weeks.” She turns and leaves, dragging two enormous suitcases behind her.
There is no way I thought I’d find three wonderful friends in this place, even if they’re nothing like me. I’ve had to push the fact that they belong to powerful criminal families out of my mind. Perhaps that’s why we get on so well because we’re all very different.
Camilla sighs. “My driver is here too. I best be going.” She smiles at Natalya and me. “See you two bitches in two weeks.” She grabs a large holdall and drags a suitcase behind her as she heads out of the hall.
“Is your driver here yet?” I ask Natalya.
She shakes her head. “He texted and said he was running a bit behind schedule.”
My stomach churns as I notice Elias approaching us, eyes fixed on Natalya. “Here comes trouble,” I warn.
Natalya glances behind her and groans, her shoulders tensing.
“So I guess I should wish you two a lovely winter break.” He places his hand on Natalya’s back, drawing her close to him. “I hear Boston is lovely at this time of year.” He leans down to whisper something in her ear.
I clench my fists when I see her tense, knowing he’s just threatened her. After Elias’ rather brutal warning in the corridor, I’ve tried to stay out of it, but I hate seeing him torment her.
“Fuck off, Elias,” I say, glaring at him.
He smirks and stands straighter, squaring up to me. “Did you forget my warning, Carmichael?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “You told me to stay out of the way of you and Natalya. It doesn’t mean I can’t tell you to fuck off when you are in my way.” I lift my chin high, despite knowing this psychopath could squeeze the life out of me with his bare hands if he decided to.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “I like you, Carmichael.” With that, he walks past me and heads out of the hallway.
Natalya’s shoulders relax, and she sighs in relief.
“What did that asshole say to you?” I ask.
Natalya shakes her head. “Nothing. It doesn’t matter.” She folds her arms over her chest and slumps down on a chair. “I hate him so much.”
I sit down next to her. “You should stand up to him.” I meet her gaze. “Why are you letting him push you around?”
“It’s complicated,” Natalya says, glancing down at the floor. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
It seems Camilla and Adrianna are right. Every time the subject of Elias comes up, she closes off. I nod in response, and we fall into silence together, waiting for Natalya’s driver to arrive. The hall empties as students leave, mainly with drivers, although I’ve seen a few parents come to collect their kids. Someone in this school is blackmailing Oak over our relationship, and the fact I’m staying here at the Academy for the winter break will only compound the issue.
Oak assures me he can fix it, but I’m not certain. It seems a little foolish that I’m staying here. Perhaps I should have accepted Natalya’s invitation to spend Christmas in Boston. It’s too late now, though.
Natalya’s phone dings, and she stands. “He’s here. See me out?” She asks.
