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I can’t believe Kaiden managed to rope me into tonight’s parents’ evening, but a bet is a bet. It’s barbaric that the university even does this. I must be crazy agreeing to accompany him at all, but it was only his insistence that The General and Axel’s father definitely wouldn’t be there that caused me to cave. Well, that and losing the bet.
Axel definitely wasn’t losing that fight and although I’ve not come to terms with all of the events of that night, it seems no matter how hard I try to lock them up in a little mental box and ignore them, they keep coming back to haunt me at the most inappropriate times.
I can’t stop thinking about everything that happened. About my reaction to it all…I need help. Like, serious professional help.
The knowledge that Kaiden really needs me just helps keep me from chickening out. Plus, he was there for me the other night when I freaked out at the hotel after we exited the lift and Axel left us to find our own way home, so I guess I really do owe him.
The hotel was such a weird place. It intrigues me, what it’ll be like when it’s fully operational. Will I get to go there again? Do I want to?
If I’m being honest with myself, yes, I do. My freak out was less about what they were doing to Rob – who well and truly deserved what he got and more – but by my reaction to it.
I already know that I’m fucked up seven ways from Sunday, but I didn’t expect to like watching what they did to him. I didn’t anticipate becoming so turned on that I would need to get out of there to prevent myself from doing something stupid like joining in, or begging one of them to fuck me silly over Rob’s corpse.
Maybe Kaiden knew. He stayed the night again and tried to comfort me but I barely slept. My whole body was thrumming with electricity and I felt more alive than I have in years. The things those guys did to Rob…it gave me ideas. Every time Kaiden innocently brushed against me, it was like sparks igniting on my skin.
So of course sleep evaded me. Kaiden tried his best, but he didn’t truly understand the real problem with me. Hence needing to pay him back for his efforts.
Despite everything The General did to me, I hate Mr Kelly more for the damage he inflicted on his son. He killed him. At least The General never did that to Zie. Or me. Sometimes I just wish he had.
“Are you ready?” Kaiden’s voice, coming from my open window, startles me. “Whoa, you look beautiful.”
“You know, you could use the door like a normal person,” I point out with a smile as he climbs through and joins me in my room.
“Nah, where’s the fun in that? I’ve become attached to this window.” I shake my head and give him an amused tilt of my lips.
“Shall we get this shit show on the road?” I ask. He grimaces apologetically.
“I’m sorry about this. I know Axel and Zie will be there tonight, but you’ve always been my strength when it comes to facing him.”
“It’s fine. And I know. It’ll be like old times tonight, then, yeah?”
“Except I won’t be teasing you to kiss me.”
I ignore that comment. “Does your dad know about…all of this?” I gesture to my tattoo which is hidden away under my deep green velvet off the shoulder dress.
“No. Well, yes.” He sighs. “He knows about the contest, knows we’re taking part as an alliance. They – all of our fathers – know that it’s started and that we’re doing well, but I got the feeling that they don’t all know that you’re The Doe. Axel wants to keep it that way, probably for your protection given…the past.”
He means The General’s obsession with me. The one they think they put a stop to, the ‘one and only time’ he touched me. If only they knew the truth. Would being The Doe protect me from The General? I doubt it. He took sick delight in fucking with Axel’s original brand on my skin, so I can only imagine what he’d do to the tattoo if he got his hands on me once more. I shiver.
“I’m glad that…the past won’t be here tonight.”
“Well, some parts of it anyway,” Kaiden mutters darkly.
“I’m sorry. If you don’t want to do this, we can skip it. Go get some junk food and hide out somewhere until it’s all over,” I offer.
“Thanks. But it’s fine. I have you by my side. All is well. Just, don’t leave my side tonight, please.”
“Of course.”
We leave my room via the door and Kaiden loops my arm through his as we cross campus. Tonight’s banquet will take place in the faculty dining hall, rather than the student canteen. It’s a posh, formal affair, hence the dress. Kaiden’s even donned a gorgeous grey suit, though he’s refused to wear a tie of course, and he looks amazing. Even without his tattoos on show, he still manages to make the impeccably tailored suit look punky somehow. Maybe it’s the haphazardly laced combat boots. Whoever would have thought laces could be sexy.
I’m not sure I’ll be able to cope with the sight of all three of them in suits. Especially thinking about the last time we were all together and they were covered in blood. The contrast is too much, too perfect.
As we approach our destination, my heart rate spikes. My palms moisten with nerves and my steps falter.
The banquet hall is stunning: parquet flooring, white linen tablecloths, glittering chandeliers. It’s completely over the top for a bunch of teenagers who aren’t going to appreciate it, which is probably why the university only uses it for occasions such as fundraising and events like tonight, where they suck up to the parents of the rich and entitled little brats that come here.
Kaiden leads me through the already busy hall towards the round table which is set up for six. There should’ve been eight spaces but with Axel’s dad and The General not coming…it takes me a moment to realise that the other empty seat would actually be for my mum.
