Page 31 of Twisted Elites

My spine slumped, and I blinked away a tear. Who it was for, I couldn’t tell. But this time, it wouldn’t be like Corrine’s death, which was initially written off as suicide. Bruce and Jarrett didn’t come from foster care. They had parents wealthy enough to pay the academy’s exorbitant fees and wealthy enough to create a huge, legal stink.

I ran a hand through my hair. Maybe it was callous of me to think this, but Ashley’s retaliation against the bullies might trigger some serious reform.

Sebastian stalked a few steps closer to a cringing Barrett. “Tell everyone what you and your friends did to Ashley Evergreen out in the snow.”

The auburn-haired boy told a story that taxed my strength and made me slide further into my seat. After the boys had finished with her, Bruce fastened a collar around her neck. Then he paraded her naked through the hallways of the east wing, encouraging boys to humiliate her further.

At least it explained the streaks of fluid across Ashley’s back.

Leopold kept whispering in my ears and checking that I was handling everything, but I continued to nod, even though I just wanted to curl up and bury myself in the kings’ embrace.

When Barrett finished his story, a few of the girls in the dining room cried. Even Mrs. Benazir sat with her head in her hands.

Sebastian asked one last question. “Who attacked Ashley at the end of term?”

“Bruce,” he whispered. “Ashley just wouldn’t go away.”

* * *

Mrs. Benazir canceled classes for the rest of the day and told everyone to do their prep instead. Sebastian convinced a few of the students to email him their footage of Barrett’s confession, so he could send it to Mr. Pinkerton.

For the rest of the day, I poured through my books, not holding out much hope for the evidence to free Prakash. The police seemed determined to hold him.

That evening, partway through dinner, gasps filled the air, followed by applause. I whirled around to see the source of the commotion.

Prakash stood at the door, looking tired but composed. He wore jeans and a white tee-shirt with a blazer that didn’t fit as well as his usual clothes.

For a second, my heart stopped beating. Both Leopold and Sebastian froze. Then my heart flipped like a crepe, and I rushed to the door. The Kings overtook me by seconds, their broad backs obscuring my view of Prakash.

Leopold reached him first, and they exchanged manly hugs. “It’s great to have you back!”

Prakash grinned. “That’s an understatement!” His eyes softened when Sebastian stepped forward.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” said Sebastian.

Prakash’s eyes glistened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “Seb, I know how much you’ve sacrificed to help me, and I’ll pay back every penny.”

Sebastian gave him a clap on the back that turned into a tight hug. “Nonsense, it’s what friends do.”

The moment Sebastian drew away, leaving me standing in front of Prakash, everything stilled except for my clattering heart. I stared mesmerized by his fathomless, dark eyes, which glittered like faceted jet.

Until this moment, I hadn’t been aware of how much I had missed him. I’d become accustomed to his quiet strength, his shy, admiring glances from across the table, and his presence at my side during Advanced Calculus.

No matter how far I’d gone sexually with Leopold and Sebastian, I had missed Prakash’s presence. Now, with him standing before me, I finally felt complete.

In a burst of movement, I wrapped my arms around his neck, inhaling the scent of bergamot and wild grass. He was finally free, and he was here. His chest and the arms wrapped around my waist felt bulkier than usual, as though he had spent his free time pumping iron.

“W-when did you get out?” I whispered into his ear.

“At lunchtime.” He drew back and cupped my cheek, spreading warmth through my flesh and making me melt into his touch. “Mr. Pinkerton took me to the club to clean up and get a meal.”

I rested my palms on his chest. “Are you alright? I was so worried—”

He pressed a kiss on my lips, bringing with it a jolt of pleasure that halted all my thoughts. “This isn’t my first time in custody,” he murmured. “I knew what to expect and prepared my mind.”

My heart pounded so hard, my ribs rattled with impatience. I wanted all of him. Wanted to taste more of his full lips. I leaned forward and brushed my mouth against his, reveling in the feel of the gorgeous boy I’d longed to see for weeks.

“Guys?” said Leopold. “As much as I’m enjoying this reunion, we have an audience.”