Page 122 of Intolerable Bishop

My head snapped to the side as he slapped me across the face so hard that I stumbled. My ears rang, and little black dots appeared behind my eyes. He grabbed me by the jaw and jerked me upright. Evil stared at me from his blue eyes, but I glared back, not giving him the satisfaction of tears or yelling even though my whole face hurt from the blow.

“Smart mouth. You have a really fucking smart mouth.” He leaned in closer, and a waft of alcohol and his strong cologne hit me as hard as his hand had.

“I get that a lot,” I said through the pain. It felt like he was going to crush my jaw with his bare hand.

“Your father warned me about your attitude. He even told me that I’m free to train it out of you if needed.”

“Liar,” I growled, and he smirked. I didn’t believe him. Even with everything that had happened, I knew deep down that my father would never tell someone to abuse me. “You don’t scare me.”

“I should, Ms. Davies. I can destroy everything and everyone you love until there is no one left breathing. I’m only going to tell you this one more time. Stay away from Nash and everyone in his inner circle, or I will personally put a bullet through your father’s head. Then, the next person you love until you get it through your head who is in charge. Understood?”

“You’re evil,” I said.

He smirked, letting go of my face, and I knew I’d be bruised.

“Funny, I get that a lot.” He smoothed down the front of his suit as he looked me up and down. “You’re not really dressed appropriately for the party due to the unfortunate accident with the wine. I’ll make sure that my driver takes you back to Wayward.” I swallowed, panic flooding my system. He took a step and then looked at me and smiled like he hadn’t just threatened me. “Have a good evening, Ms. Davies. Oh, and I trust you’ll keep this little conversation between the two of us. Don’t want to give me a reason to send you a severed body part to make my point.”

I watched until he disappeared around the end of the hallway. Shaking, I slumped and rubbed at my sore jaw. Tears stung my eyes. Would he know if I didn’t break up with the guys? I covered my mouth. My dad’s death or the guys? That wasn’t a choice. My heart would die either way. What the hell had he already done to my dad?

I needed to think, and I needed to get the hell out of here. Pushing away from the wall, I ran down the hall, rounded the end, and flew past Nash’s door as it opened.

“Ren? Where are you going,” Theo called after me, and I could hear him running. I looked back and saw all four of them chasing me.

I raced down the stairs at a breakneck pace and spotted Lawrence with Vicky. Thankfully, he wasn’t looking my way as I ran outside. Lawrence’s driver was standing by the limo with the door open. I didn’t slow as I darted down the stairs and dove into the back.

If he cared why I was acting so strange, he didn’t show it. Then again, he might be used to girls running away from Lawrence. He walked around the car and got in just as the guys burst out the door. They looked around, and I put my hand on the glass. Their eyes found me as the tears tore free. The driver put up the center divider, and I broke down into sobs as it felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest.

The tears had barely stopped when we reached Wayward’s gate. How could a place feel like home and hell at the same time? The driver pulled around to the dorm, and I pushed the door open and got out before he could move from the front seat.

Standing outside, I stared up at the old building as the car drove away. I dabbed my eyes before walking inside and straight through to the elevator. Thankfully, the few people sitting around didn’t notice me. I really wished that Ivy had moved in today, but she was waiting until the last possible minute so she could spend more time with her dad. Of course, that thought had the tears forming again.

Getting out on the fifth floor, I made the walk down to my room. I wanted to tell Lawrence to go to hell, but could I chance him killing my dad? And what if he did kill my dad and still came after the guys to teach me a lesson, to make me bend to what he wanted?

Opening my door, I flicked on the light and screamed as Myles stood from my bed.

“Hello, Snowflake.”

“Oh my god,” I said and ran to him. Jumping on him, I forgot about Lawrence and his threat for just a moment. “Thank God you’re okay. I’ve been so worried.” He chuckled as he held me off the ground while I clung to him.

“Well, at least ya didn’t forget about me,” he teased as he kissed the side of my neck. “What the?” He ran his thumb up along my skin, and I turned my head so he could see the snowflake tattoos easier. “This is stunning. I love it,” Myles said, touching his lips to each one. I couldn’t let Lawrence steal this from me. Too much had been ripped away, and he wasn’t taking the happiness I did have. “Fuck I missed ya.”

“I missed you, too,” I said as Myles pulled back, smiling. His eyes suddenly darkened as he grabbed my chin and turned my head to look at my face.

“Who the fuck hurt ya, Snowflake?” His tone was clear: they were dead.

“I can’t tell you.” I slid down his body.

“Oh, you’re gonna fuckin’ tell me,” Myles said.

“And us,” Blake said. I turned to see all four of the guys walk in. Sheer panic had me rushing to the door and looking down the hallway.

“You guys need to go, all of you. I…I can’t see you until I figure this out.”

Nash marched toward me, grabbed the door from my hand, and slammed it closed. “Not a chance.” He looked at my face. “This was my father…don’t try to deny it. What did he say to you?” My lower lip trembled. “Did he hurt you anywhere else?” I shook my head. “Did he…did….” I shook my head, and he let out a breath.

“No, he didn’t do that.” My eyes bounced from one face to the next. “You can’t go after him, Nash. None of you can. I need to find my dad first.”

Nash’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”