AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Crave,” I echo, my handwriting shaky now. The double meanings weave through the air, thick ascobwebs, and I’m caught in the middle, equal parts terrified and exhilarated.
“Anticipation is the key,” Alistair asserts, leaning forward, elbows on knees, commanding the room like he was born to do nothing else. “Build it up, then deliver.”
“Anticipation,” I whisper, and the room hums with something dark and thrilling. The charged atmosphere clings to my skin, an almost tangible caress, and I know, without a doubt, that this study session is no longer just about public speaking. It’s a dance, a game of push and pull with words as our pawns, and I’m not sure who’s winning.
I feel the warmth of Ben’s hand as it brushes casually against my arm, a silent communication that sets off sparks beneath my skin. His touch is light, yet laden with intent, pulling me away from the heady gaze that Damien lays on me. My breath hitches, caught in the crossfire of their attentions.
“Complexity can be captivating,” Ben murmurs, his voice even and calm as ever. I nod, pretending to ponder his words about speech delivery, but my mind races with the undercurrents of our interactions.
Damien leans back in his chair, eyes locked on mine, dark and probing. He doesn’t touch me, doesn’t need to; his stare is enough to send shivers down my spine. The intensity of his look says he knows what’s going on inside my head, maybe even enjoys stirring the whirlpool of emotions.
“Captivating.”
Alistair draws my fragmented attention. Hedoesn’t show any sign of the turmoil that must be clear on my face. Instead, he offers a steady, grounding presence as he shifts closer, a small space away from the charged air between Damien and Ben.
“When you stand up there, remember, we’re behind you. Every word, every pause—you’ll own it.”
His assurance wraps around me like a cloak, offering comfort amidst the chaos of my scrambled thoughts. For a moment, I’m grateful for his solid certainty, the way he presents an anchor in the unpredictable storm that has become my life at KnightsGate.
“You don’t need to be there,” I murmur.
“Invited anyway,” he whispers back with a sexy smile.
“Of course.” My cheeks go warm as I remember who these guys really are outside of the Academy. They aresomebodies. Their vast wealth funds this place, and it’s high time I remembered that.
“Do you have the speech all laid out?” Ben asks.
“Yes,” I breathe. “The Chancellor wants it this weekend to go over.”
I glance at each of them—Alistair, with his commanding presence; Ben, calm and reassuring; Charlie, with a smile that could disarm anyone; and Damien, whose stare seems to see right through me. They’re all different but seemingly here for me. It’s a heady feeling, knowing I’ve somehow become the centre of their world, even if it’s only for today.
“Thanks, guys,” I say, and I mean it. For the firsttime in a long while, the fear that usually grips me feels distant, like a storm on the horizon that might never reach shore. “I feel a bit more confident. We are down to crying and throwing up.”
“Good,” Ben replies, his tone soft but firm. “Because you’re going to be fantastic.”
But the study session isn’t over. Something significant has shifted between us. I’m part of their circle now, woven into the fabric of their lives whether I intended to be or not, and as the darkness outside wraps around KnightsGate Manor, I can’t deny the thrill—or the terror—of what lies ahead.
I want to ask them, to demand answers, but it doesn’t seem the right time. They’re all on a different page to me, yet the same to each other by the feel of it. Not that I’m an expert. Do they know that most of them have kissed me, and Alistair kissed other parts of me that make me blush? If I had any of the confidence they have, I’d ask, but as it is, I leave it. Part of me thinks I might not like the answers, which definitely hurts me more than I’d like.
My phone buzzes next to me, and it’s a text from Crystal.
Finally.
She’s been dodging my calls for days now.
Opening it, I freeze, all the blood draining from my face.
Gulping back the sudden sob that catches in my throat, I excuse myself quickly, blinking back the tears that one of my so-called best friends could be so mean and for no reason.
Hurrying up the stairs, I push open the door to my room and slam it closed, reading the text again to make sure I didn’t misunderstand it. But there is no misunderstanding the words I see before me: Hope you die, bitch.
33
EVER
Crystal’s words burn on my phone screen, a toxic promise etched in pixels. I can’t shake it off. My thumb hovers, trembling as I punch in Lila’s number and wait for her to answer. It takes longer than normal.
“Heeey,” she murmurs.
