Page 9 of Ruthless Deliverance

“Pity,” Luna quips, focusing on the notebook on her desk as Mr. Garbo starts calling attendance. He doesn’t pause between any and only has to familiarize himself with one new student who apparently had a schedule switch. That might be a good idea, but I have a feeling I’d still be unable to avoid Creed and Beau and whichever other jerks are at this school.

Keith is silent for a few seconds, still facing my direction. “So, any plans tonight?”

“She has plans.” A deep (already too familiar) voice sounds from my right, and I don’t have to look to know it’s coming from Creed.

“No. I don’t have anything going on.” I keep my eyes trained on Keith, but he takes a quick peek over his shoulder.

“Um.” He glances again as a low chuckle sounds that I’m almost certain is coming from Beau as Keith’s unease grows. “I, um, if you’re not busy tonight, I was gonna ask if you wanted to hang out.”

“She can’t,” Creed responds before I have the opportunity.

I take it back. I will be hitting someone very soon. Turning to look at the menacing asshat, he’s reclined and nonchalant as he says, “We have plans.”

“No. We fucking don’t.”

“I don’t want to get in the middle of anything.” Keith doesn’t glance over his shoulder but remains looking at me like he’s confused. And I can’t blame him. Creed the Caveman is staking a claim he has no right to—like a spoiled, entitled prick.

Beau’s laugh grows louder when I tell Keith, “There’s nothing to get in the middle of.”

“Let’s talk about it later.” Luna instructs Keith to face forward and it’s probably a good idea since most of our classmates are watching the situation unfold and so is Mr. Garbo. I’m guessing starting another brawl in another classroom today wouldn’t be the wisest choice.

“Think about it.” Keith gives me a quick wink before he turns to face forwards.

Garbo starts the lesson for the day, and I do my best to follow along, but I can’t shake the feeling of eyes on me. And sure enough, I’m met with the stone-cold eyes I’ve seen way too many times in the past twenty-four hours. His angry expression doesn’t relent as he stares my way, his tense posture letting me know he’s not happy. And thankfully, Creed’s happiness doesn’t mean shit to me. In fact, if hanging out with Keith pisses him off, it makes me want to accept the invitation even more. And I really should. Not only to piss Creed off (that’s an added bonus), but to get some time outside of the school where I’m guessing the students won’t be concealing their illicit endeavors as well. And I really need to know who knows what and figure out their chain of command so I can get out of the job that has me pinned under Philip’s thumb.

9

DANI

The morning has mostly been calm. Surprisingly. Beau definitely has a bruised ego to match his face, but other than a few spiteful remarks, he’s kept his distance. Now, if only his fearless leader would do the same.

When he takes a seat at the table across from me, I make a point to ignore his unwelcome intrusion, but Luna doesn’t. “What do you want?”

“It doesn’t concern you.” If arrogance were a competition, he’d take top prize. Because even when he’s an instructive asshole, he does it with confidence, like he is sure we will bend to his will.

“Then get away from me.” Luna seems to be one of the few who doesn’t automatically bow to him. Maybe that’s another reason we’ve connected so effortlessly. Hatred for the win.

Creed doesn’t seem fazed by either of us or our hostility as he looks at me. “I will. As soon as Dani tells me what time I’m picking her up tonight.”

I don’t like my name on his lips. At all. Because it rolls off too smoothly for such a menacing barbarian.

“What is wrong with you? Too many hits on the field? Dropped on your head as a child? Or just fuckin’ oblivious? Why can’t you get the word no through your thick skull?”

“I’ve never heard you say no. But I’m glad you’ve been doing your research.”

“Entitled, egotistical prick who swings his dick around to remind everyone Mommy and Daddy own the place. What’s there to research?” Lie. I did research him. I told myself it was for the case, but I probably dove way deeper into the search on him than necessary. And it wasn’t easy since he doesn’t seem to have any social media accounts. But there was plenty of content featuring him on the field as Sacred Creed’s star quarterback. Whoever runs the damn account is as in love with Creed as he is with himself. Or maybe that’s it—it’s him posting since he’s so full of himself.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but she has plans with me tonight. So, go away.” Luna waves him off, but he doesn’t make a move to leave. “Seriously, she’ll be with me, so fuck off before you make a bigger ass of yourself.”

“Too late.” My blunt statement does nothing to deter him.

Instead, it brings him amusement as he says, “I’m just getting started.” But at least his asshole statement is followed by him standing and walking away.

“Seriously, how the hell can one person be so obnoxious?”

Luna waits to answer once he’s left the café. “He’s had plenty of practice. And in this case, practice sure as fuck made perfect.”

There’s more than just annoyance behind her loathing. “How long have you known Creed?”