Page 39 of Unwritten Rules

“Mila DeMarco, meet my niece, Monica. She’s also studying English Literature, although recently she’s had to drop Professor Hawthorne’s Shakespearean workshop unexpectedly, which is why space was available for you at such a late stage in the semester.”

Smacking a huge-ass fake smile on my mouth, I stick my hand out to Monica and give her my best sugary sweet voice. “It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you, Monica. I can see we share many similar tastes. It’s so unfortunate I won’t be seeing you in Professor Hawthorne’s lectures.”

If looks could kill, I’d be dust.

Monica shakes my hand in a death grip, nostrils flaring and skin bristling with barely concealed rage. “I’m positively sure you’ll be seeing me around.”

We each take a beat to gather the measure of the other, Chancellor Higgins standing beside us, utterly oblivious to the power play happening right underneath his nose.

“It was wonderful to meet you, Mila. I shall see you around campus, I’m sure. And my door is always open to those who need it.”

Stepping back, I drop Monica’s hand like a hot potato and manage to school my features into a genuine smile, having developed an instant like for Branson Higgins. It’s not like he can help the fact that he’s related to this Regina George wannabe.

“I’m so grateful, Chancellor Higgins. I’ll remember that.” Turning to face Monica, I turn up the dulcet tone in my voice. “It’s been wonderful to meet you, Monica. Have a splendid day!”

Her mouth quirks on one side in an attempt to hide her ill-concealed dislike. “Likewise, Mila.”

Chancellor Higgins then opens his office door, gesturing Monica inside before inclining his head in farewell.

My blonde companion thrusts his hand between us, losing no time in endearing himself to me.

“I’m Cal. Socially anxious introvert with a penchant for men who take advantage of my good nature. Also, just for reference, I can’t stand basic bitches who think Professor Hawthorne would ever look at them twice – which is precisely what that moody cow’s issue is.”

I snort loudly, immediately liking this new, plain-speaking friend of mine.

Not waiting for a response, he loops his arm through mine. Then he stretches his other hand in front of us as though painting a picture.

“Now, my little friend, do you truly want the grand tour of the illustrious Walden-Forbes, home of rich pricks with more money than sense, or would you rather hit the pub and talk pure bollocks for the afternoon?”

His eyes land on me, anxiously awaiting my answer – to which there can be only one.

My eyes light up. “Is that even a question?”

He fist pumps the air and points his outstretched arm to the right before announcing dramatically, “Onwards to The Nook.”

CHAPTER 13

MILA

Following an afternoon with my new self-professed bestie, where I’d shown him just how much of a pool shark I’d become of late – much to Cal’s chagrin – I meet a quiet Nate at his car, as scheduled at 5 p.m.

I’m beyond grateful that I missed my first class with Nate today.

And after the fun afternoon, I keep quiet on the way home, as I’m not altogether overly enamoured with the idea of asking him why he’d hooved me out of his SUV to chat with the oh-so-lovely Monica Higgins.

Or “Ho-Bag” Higgins, as I shall now refer to her. Cow!

The journey is made in utter silence, Nate’s eyes on the road and mine fixed firmly on the passing countryside. Then, finally, we pull up outside Hawthorne House, and Nate faces me, the engine still running.

“I’m afraid I need to return to London, littlest DeMarco. There appear to be several discrepancies in my father’s will and the wording of the paperwork in which he bequeathed the Gate House to Zara.”

That’s all he said before leaving Hawthorne House without so much as packing an overnight bag. No word of his return, nothing.

I’d swear he was avoiding me if I didn’t know better.

Phillippe’s replacement, Roland, had been adamant that it was his job to drive me to Walden-Forbes for the remainder of the week, and honestly, I’d be happy to let him.

The upheaval of changing schools and the situation I’d gotten myself into before contacting Nate is really taking its toll on me.