Chapter One
TAYLOR
The old metal door looms decrepit and proud of its latest conquest, reputedly trapping me inside. With practiced, irritated steps, I use my foot to turn the rusted old door handle. As soon as I hear the welcoming click, I ungraciously use my hip, constantly bumping on the metal frame, trying to get it open. The back-andforth motion looks like I’m in a dance off, horribly losing.
My mind is everywhere else instead of where it should be, concentrating on all the shit I’m carrying. I refuse to make multiple trips, especially if I only suffer for less than a minute with heavy arms and hands.
I laugh in cryptic glee as soon as the metal beast gives way, causing me to stumble outside. If my hands where free, I’d flip that bitch off. Instead, I chuckle, happy to be outside. Unfortunately, I endure this dance several times a week.
I look up, my feet suddenly are laden with cement, unable to move. The jerking motion causes a few of the gloves and pads to easily fall out of my crowded ensemble.
In front of my parents’ boxing gym are three black Escalades, proudly manned by their own suitor. The driver or guard keeping watch, proudly next to their own personal vehicle. It’s very late, darkness swallows the gym whole. We’re open till ten every night. The moonlight makes them shine, encapsulating them in money and prestige. Something that does not belong in this part of Queens,
New York. The only time we get this type of visitor is when the bankers come, or the gangs are looking for someone.
I haven’t moved, standing still on the street holding too much boxing shit. My attention is glued on the men in tailored suits, entranced by what this can mean. Who are these people? If I stare long enough, maybe the universe will answer my questions.
Something hard hits me right in the middle of my back, causing my cemented feet to jerk forward. I barely catch myself before I fall, unfortunately all the contents spill out of my hands.
“Stupid girl,” is the only thing I hear as Mr. Chang growls his distaste, walking by me as he closes up his little corner store for the night.
“Sorry, have a good night,” I mumble, trying to wave goodbye with my right hand but it looks awkward. Mr. Chang only knows three words in English and I’m pretty sure of this, because that’s all I’ve heard since I was a kid living here, it’s either; stupid girl or idiot.
Mr. Chang’s wife died ten years ago. Occasionally my mom would have me bring food to him, or make sure he was still alive by visiting his store often.
With my trance broken, I gather up the gloves and pads and throw them in the door leading into the boxing club. This shit is money, and I refuse to leave it out on the street, even though I’m desperate to see who’s here. The rest of the street is dark and Mr. Chang has gone home. We’re the only place that’s open. Maybe some rich people wanted to try out a lower end boxing ring, see if they could hang. I smile walking in the club, stepping over the forgotten gloves and pads. I’ll deal with the equipment later, eager to see.
I work on fixing my tight tank top that is starting to drift to the side, then straightening my very loose pair of boxing shorts. It’s the middle of August here, not as hot as it normally is at night. The air conditioning is humming as several of the fans circulate the overtly hot air through the boxing club.
Right when I round the corner, that’s when I get an eerie sensation. The place is dead silent, except the noise from the fans and AC.
We usually have between ten to twenty people in the club always, with a lot more during the busier times. Not one person is working out or sparring. Doing what they need to do to improve themselves, all of them are focused on my dad’s office.
My father’s office is small and shoved into the corner of the gym. The blinds are closed. The only way we see a glimpse, maybe even a glimmer of who’s in there, will come from the uncovered window on his door.
I walk my way through the eerie gym. The members nod at me with reassuring shoulder grabs, or pats on the back. Ignoring specks of blood and spit during an earlier fight that missed the bucket completely.
I started putting the buckets out months ago. So much easier to clean the buckets than the floor twenty times a day. Nobody can properly spit anywhere. There’s a lot of blood and other bodily fluids that make their way through this old-school gym.
I stop, standing next to a few of the old-timers that are staring intently at one of the most beautiful and classy women I’ve ever seen. My dad’s back is toward us. She’s facing my dad with rapt attention, very inclined and focused on what he’s talking about.
My father is moving his arms left and right, dialogue is raptly flowing from him. I can’t help it, my shoulders tense up, there is no reason for that woman to be here. This is our family’s livelihood. My parents have been through so much. I’m afraid that anything else will break them.
My mom and dad have owned this club since I was little. We barely got by sometimes, especially in the beginning but it’s enough. They made their dream work. Both of them have never been happier, at least that’s what they tell me.
I ignore some of the stifling heat from the delayed air as I sigh, severely interested in what that fancy woman is telling him. The scent of blood and sweat is permanent in the air, even air fresheners conveniently placed throughout the gym can’t get rid of this.
We’ve never had anyone that looks like that here. The last time someone came in with the crappy secondhand store suit, they were
from the bank threatening to put my dad on his ass right then and there. Luckily all the boxers in the building weren’t having it.
I know that’s why all the guys are concerned. We have a few women that are in this club, but none of them are here right now. Several older, long-standing members are now at my side watching and waiting with anticipation, worried about what will happen to their club they’ve been going to forever. The ones that aren’t right by me are standing alert and ready throughout the room. The bags are occupied, the ring is occupied. An area we have dedicated for sparring is occupied, but all unused.
My father looks up slightly smiling, replacing it quickly with his permanent stoic face seeing all of his guys surrounding his daughter.
“Relax kid,” Mac says to me. Gripping my shoulder tightly and giving it a little bit of a squeeze in comfort. I’m twenty-two years old. My birthday was a couple weeks ago at the beginning of August, but apparently in this club if you’re under sixty, you’re a kid.
Mac stands next to me, shoulder to shoulder as we continue to watch my father. Those two have been friends as far back as I can remember.
My father glances back toward us, and motions for me to come into the office with him.
“Everything’s going to be fine,” one of the older guys assures me as I walk by. It seems like the woman’s here for me, so at least the boxing club is safe.
Several of the guys get back to practicing with the heavy bags or ring training. They know that the club is safe, they can feel it in their bones. Several others give me reassuring head nods.
DoIlookthatterrified?
I go into the jail sized office that my father has. The room is horrendously small and there’s a window the size of a book at the far end of the room. My father has painted all the windows inside this building. We don’t live in the best neighborhood, so he wants this area separate from outside. Concentration is key, members should only focus on why they’re here.
I take the desk chair my dad is standing next to. Blocking the already blacked-out window.
The fancy woman moves a step closer to me and offers her hand. “My name is Ms. X.” I take it. “Taylor, have you ever heard of Santorin University?” She asks as she sits down, crossing one leg over the other and looking more exquisite than she already does. She’s a bit younger than my mom but she is one of the most classically beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Flowing brown hair, glistening blue eyes, all on a thin frame wearing a pinstripe suit that doesn’t have a wrinkle or a piece of lint on it.
“Yeah?” I say with a smile but it comes out a little bit sarcastically. Like who hasn’t heard of Santorin University? Everybody has, it’s the freaking Ivy of all Ivy League schools.
I watch her with rapt attention. You could hear a pin drop as the woman classically grabs her leather bag off the floor and takes out a folder with paperwork, and several clothing items. I glance over to my father, his eyes are slightly wide, looking at the shit in her hands. He’s shocked but is also very wary. He’s having trouble masking his expressions, which is unheard of with him.
Ms. X gives me a very sweet and comforting smile. “Ms. Quinn, you have won a scholarship to Santorin University for your senior year of college.” She starts talking, conversing to both my father and me. Sadly, the only thing I hear is ‘what the hell,’ screaming in my head. This has to be a joke? Right?
Santorin University is one of those colleges that only the elite of the elite get into. There is no application process, nothing. If you’re going to be a student at the school, you’re going to get an invitation, that’s the only way.
Don’t get me wrong, my mouth is still slightly open in shock. I’m not academically inclined. I went to community college for the first two years, then switched over to the State College for my junior year. I didn’t get straight As. I’m not some major sports god. Most people can see, as this woman can probably tell now, that my parents are not loaded.
This honestly makes no sense whatsoever. I don’t pay that much attention, with my mind racing as I watch my dad shake Ms. X’s hand. She gives me a smile and a nod as she leaves through the
door that I just entered through. All the guys are watching, wondering why she was here. She’s a beautiful enigma.
My father moves closer to me rubbing my shoulders up and down as I stand up. “Eyes open.”
I nod. “Always.”
He’s just as perturbed by this whole situation as I am. I know he loves me and he wants everything for me, but come on, we’re not stupid. There’s no reason I would get into this school, everything sounds fishy. So yeah, I’m definitely going to keep my eyes open, always.
We spend the next hour in complete silence cleaning up and getting the gym ready for whoever wants to grace their presence here tomorrow morning. Some people actually use this place just for exercise, but since our clientele is older, it doesn’t last that long.
“Ready?” My father asks me getting all the paperwork and the clothing items Ms. X had left, gathering them in his arms. I nod, drying off my hands after washing them. I always disinfect, there’s so much bodily fluids on everything in this gym, it’s downright gross. But it’s home and I love this place.
Both my father and I head out of the doors, then turn a sharp right to another door facing the street that leads up to our apartment. No words are said as we trudge up heading straight for the kitchen area where my mom has dinner ready and waiting.
Sometimes we’re able to sneak up for dinner earlier, but the place was packed tonight.
My mother quickly glances between my father and me, her expression seems as worried and vaguely confident as my dad’s does. I love them so much because they try to make the situation happy no matter how daunting it is.
We eat in silence. There’s no reason to talk, my dad was in his office for a while. I know he called mom and explained everything to her.
“I can’t wait anymore,” she says as both my dad and I, cover our stuffed with spaghetti mouths, laugh. She rips open the paperwork and starts going through it. Her mouth forming a big ‘O’ through the entire reading process.
My mom looks up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You leave on Friday morning, that’s two days away.” I nod, my father had mentioned it to me before. I could wait and go Sunday, but this way I’ll get settled and can explore.
My father smiles as he grabs each one of our hands. In our small apartment, there’s a tiny kitchen table that fits three people perfectly.
“Taylor deserves this. This is her time to shine, and for some reason the best school in the country wants our daughter, then so be it.” He squeezes her hands for emphasis. “We can’t let our past dictate our future anymore, not everything that happens is going to be bad.” He lets go of my mom’s hand and covers mine with his. “Enjoy this moment in life, we might not know the answer right now, but as your parents we know that this is your moment to shine.”
I start to cry as the three of us head up to my room, seeing what’s worthwhile to pack. I’m grateful for my mom. If I was on my own at State, which I’m supposed to be going back to, my laundry would be piling up. Because of her, everything is clean except for these raggedy gym clothes I’ve been wearing all day.
My father comes back with an envelope in hand. They think they keep stuff from me, but I know exactly where their stash is and how much they have in it. Very rarely, but when I do have extra, I try to add a twenty every now and then.
I shake my head no, as my mom puts her arm around me squeezing me to her side. “It’s five hundred dollars, you’ll be a few hours away from us, and who knows what could happen. This money will help us to sleep better at night. Please just do this for us so that we know you’re safe.”
I nod, blinking rapidly, trying to lose the tears that are threatening to break free.
I will always be grateful for these two. For everything that they’ve ever done for me. I just pray to God that one day I can rightfully repay them.
Chapter Two
REAPER
Boston has always been my favorite place to play when I was in my early twenties. The nightclubs were freaking insane.
“Drop me off in the back,” I say sharply to Remy, discouraging him from giving me a reply. It does the trick as he slants his eyebrows, but not arguing.
My moment was very short-lived when he hisses out, “it won’t hurt you to relax for a minute. Spend an hour in there. Have a few drinks, shake that ass. We both know you could use it.”
I growl, “twenty minutes, fucker.” I slip out of the vehicle, slamming the door behind me. This SUV is Remy’s baby. If I could’ve slammed it any harder I would’ve. I hear him slightly scream, erasing the smirk off my face getting closer to the club.
I’ll admit it does draw me in. The ambiance surrounded by the darkness outside. The lights are barely lit but enough for women to feel safe.
I turn to go into the alley, where Remy couldn’t fit the car. The club made it this way. There are two huge trash cans blocking half of the exits on either side of the alleyway. This is far safer for the club and the inhabitants inside.
I keep my mind and thoughts open as I continue to walk through the alley. I hear rats and insects milling about but no other human voices. It smells of rotten eggs and multiple drunks slowly pursuing their deaths.
I’m wearing all black. My tailored suit is a skin hugging silk that set me back fifteen grand. With my loafers, I’m ready to blend in to the darkness of this intriguing club. I can tell why it’s the most popular one in Boston.
I knock twice on the back door just as I was told to do. It swings outward in a rush. The bouncer manning the area looks like he’s going to rip me a new one, before he sees the wad of cash in my hand. One grand to get me into the back door unnoticed, was the deal.
The guy gives me a nod, looking down the alley both ways as he grabs the money and moves back to let me in. No words need to be said or exchanged. This man keeps his distance and his eyes adverted.
I’ve been told more than once that I’m compared to nightmares. The things parents tell their rambunctious children to get them to be obedient and go to bed at night. I’m faceless. Nameless. I am deadly, dangerous, a nightmare, I am the Reaper.
This job was predominantly on the lower end of the pay scale, but I still agreed to do it. “Hey baby,” is purred in my direction. I walked by a group of very drunk women, not bad looking, either. I angle myself back, out of the way. I don’t appreciate being grabbed or touched. I give them a nod and keep moving.
The woman I’m looking for is a fucking cunt. I growl as I walk through, letting everybody know I’m not interested, it works. She earns her money by sleeping around and then when her victims are coming down from a euphoric high and not watching, not caring because you finally got yourself a piece of the pie, she fucking drains everything, then she’s gone.
The music starts to bump, the lyrics are low as the bass takes over. It’s very inviting to let loose, if only for a half an hour.
Several victims have put whatever resources they could find together and hired me. The way this woman, a gorgeous blonde bombshell, looks, I’m not shocked to see all the damage she’s done.
I’m in work mode, I no longer look inviting. The expression I have plastered on my face is to stay the fuck away. Men know to do this, unless they’re looking for a quick fight. I’ll win.
I even researched the owner of this new club to make sure he wasn’t a problem, he isn’t. I’ve seen him around, walking, he notices me out of the corner of his eye but he leaves me alone and I ignore him. I’ve never met one club owner that’s decent.
I usually get at least one dick-bag, a douche that wants to take on the bigger guy. To prove some shit, even if he gets his ass kicked. The next morning he can spit, ‘at least my drunk ass tried.’ Everyone wants to see if they can outshine the fucking Reaper.
My dick stands to attention as a woman flows right in front of me. Delicate, surreal and absolutely breathtaking, the way she sashays her hips has my dick jumping for joy. I maneuver away, barely stopping from knocking her over.
She smiles, moving closer to me, moving her hips and before I know it, she’s wrapped around me, dancing. Remy would be howling with delight if he saw me right now. This woman has got some fucking moves. Maybe I do need this, to relax.
I yank her body to mine, her soft, silky curves that press into me feel so god damn fucking good. It won’t hurt just for a few minutes. Neither one of us saying anything.
My leg wedges in between hers, rubbing against her in tune with the beat. I have no clue who’s even singing but it’s catchy.
“Fuck,” I growl to myself as I back off, giving her a wink and shaking my head no. The woman knows I’m trying to leave. I am here to work.
“Not yet,” she purrs. Her voice is intoxicating, sweet like honey. This bitch grabs my arm and drags me down the hall to an area that has more standalone bathrooms.
Work can wait for a few minutes, I agree with myself as I watch her voluptuous ass move in front of me. I have blueprints of this joint. I like to know where everything is, I know exactly where she’s going. I see no problem with a small break.
I watch her ass, tight and ripe, glide in this silk dress that she’s wearing. I’m not the only one that watches, several clubbers, especially men, can’t take their eyes off of her. They’ll be doing what I’m about to do, whacking off to her image, but at least I get the real thing.
She bypasses the standalone bathrooms and opens a door into a small storage closet. Most likely for the janitor or the cleaning crew. A light is flicked on in the corner. But I don’t give her much of a chance as I grab her and slam her against the wall. With little effort, lifting her body up at the same time, I’m able to get my dick out of my slacks, and slap on a condom within fucking seconds. I’ve mastered this fucking issue over the years.
I check to see how ready she is as I jab my hand between her legs, finding the very thin material of her panties. The girl is fucking soaked.
I line my engorged dick up perfectly and slam all the way in. She cries out and then moans, maneuvering her hips back and forth. Her arms are placed above her head as she grabs onto her hair, keeping her arms up. I rip off the flimsy silk that’s covering her breasts.
She screeches with wide open eyes, getting ready to say something but I don’t give her a chance as I start bucking into her, fucking whatever she has to say right out of her mouth.
I slow my movements down and pull down the cups of her bra that’s holding her delectable tits in place. These beauties aren’t natural but who cares, they’re still fucking bitable. Which is what I do as I pump hard and slow down, rotating my hips taking turns in between each breast tasting, biting, and licking.
It doesn’t take long until she plateaus. She sings a melody and whimpers, classical as her pussy grips the ever loving fucking shit out of my dick.
I tremble as a chill runs through me. Smacking me upside the head as I pull out. Making sure she’s steady on her feet before I flip her around. Giving her no choice as I bend her over. Putting her hands flat against the wall her back was previously against. It looks like I’m frisking her, but with her ass in the air.
I fuck her harder and faster, she screams in delight as I grunt, finding my happy ending. Doesn’t take long until I release, coming hard into her. I wasted too much time to properly get laid like this. Several seconds pass. I don’t move, savoring every damn feeling traveling through me.
I quickly fix my pants and the rest of my suit as I stand back up, using a handkerchief left in my coat pocket to place the used condom in, before putting it back into my pocket.
She turns around, her skin is flushed. Her smile is wide and her legs and arms are fluid.
She looks up at me smiling, until she spots the expression on my face, one of hatred.
Before she can dislodge the scream that’s been building up in the past second, I wrap both my hands around her throat, squeezing and cutting off her air supply, also cutting off her pleas for help.
Choking her will take too damn fucking long. I ignore the scared and terrified look pooling in her eyes as I effortlessly flip her back around. This gives me a better advantage as I sharply twist her neck, snapping the life right out of her.
The fear that intwines with every moment in your life comes out at the last-second and hers was huge. She realized how much she fucked up.
If I’m ever asked, I will admit that this bitch could fuck.
At least now she can’t fucking steal from anyone else. No other person in this world will be a victim. I casually clean up and leave out the back door. Still shaking my fucking head. I did not expect to go that far. But Remy was right. I desperately needed to let loose.
I sent a text to the asshole to pick me up at the mouth of the alley. No one can see me, even the guard wasn’t manning the door anymore. I was never fucking here, and no one will say otherwise. My job is fucking done.
Chapter Three
TAYLOR
My father comes to a screeching stop in front of the most beautiful college I’ve ever seen. I ignore several of the looks from students as they glare at our loud, older silver truck.
Santorin University looks like several Victorian-style older buildings have been merged together to create this forbidden college. It’s ominous and dark but it’s also breathtaking. At least there’s no gargoyles on the top that might suddenly fall on me.
I step out of the back seat of my dad’s old truck. It’s only ten years old and he bought it brand new. Looking toward where my father’s standing and looking at all the other cars that are driving up, he doesn’t match the limousines, Bentleys, and he knows this. A lot of the students are driving themselves in Maserati’s, and I’ve spotted six Lambos, it’s fucking insane. Why the hell does a student going to college need this type of showcase car? Becausetheycan.
“It’s not too late to change your mind,” my mom says as she moves next to me, wrapping her arm around me, pulling me to her side in comfort. I love when she does that. She realizes at the same time I do, I’m way out of my league here.
“I’m good, I’ll be fine,” I say as I move into her and give her a big hug, not caring about all the people distastefully watching us. Most of the new students are waving their parents off, not wanting any of their emotional hugs before they leave their homes for good. I see the pain that radiates through all of them but mostly on my
mom’s face. “I’ve got this. It’s gonna be awesome and I’m really excited.” I plaster on my best fake smile, which has worked before. I hope it works now.
All of us grab a piece of my luggage. I don’t have that much, two smaller suitcases and a backpack, as we head into the administration office. It’s cold out right now, even though it’s the freaking middle of August in New York. It’s the chilly kind of rain that sprinkles, misty with fog stationed everywhere. I’m thankful that I did check the weather and I decided to wear jeans, a white T-shirt, a brown cardigan and my comfy running shoes.
In the back of my mind, I wish I would’ve had more time to research this school. In hindsight, why would I? It’s elusive, and way out of my reach.
My parents stop outside of the admin office and put down my suitcases. I’d rather do this out here instead of going inside with other people. I freaking hate goodbyes.
I wrap myself around my mom, who buries her head in my shoulder and weeps silently. She’s the type that doesn’t want to grab attention to us but I know this is heartbreaking for her. “I love you, I’ll be fine,” I whisper in her ear as she pulls away and goes and sits in the car. She’s always hated goodbyes, who doesn’t?
My dad pulls me in for one of his huge bear hugs. My eyes start to fill up with unshed tears as I wrap myself around him. My father and I have always really been close, he’s my safety net. I love my parents to death but I don’t know what I would do without my father.
He angles back so he can get a good look at my streaked-lined face. “Eyes open,” he states as he uses his thumbs to wipe away the wetness from my face.
“Always,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster but it comes out as a whimper and barely recognizable. It feels heartbreaking, like I’m losing my parents.
“You got this kid,” my father says to me as he turns his back and walks back to the car to comfort my mother.
I pat my eyes dry then turn and walk into the admin building, letting the excitement of the situation overwhelm my tears and heart
wrenching sorrow.
The admin building looks like any other admin building at a college campuses, even high schools, the ones I’ve seen anyway. Several people are manning the front. The bigwigs are in the offices in the back. At least this one is loaded with the façade of centuries past. Victorian style looking bricks for the interior and wood throughout.
“Taylor,” my name is called from a girl that looks my age who is walking toward me in a stunning pinstripe business suit and fourinch heels. Holy shit this girl can pull it off, she’s stunning. “Hi, I’m Eden.” She holds out a very well-manicured hand, that I promptly accept. “How fun, your first day here.” She’s a lot more energetic than I am but it’s rubbing off.
We step outside of the administration building and I reach for my luggage.
Eden shakes her head and lightly chuckles as she prints my name on three little tags and then quickly adheres them to my luggage. “Girl, believe it or not, they actually have what you would call bell boys in the school, at least for the first week.” She nudges me with her arm. “You can’t have all these rich people carrying their own shit around. Your luggage will be taken to your room. You have an awesome room and roommate.” She smiles big as she points to herself.
I laugh realizing how well we’re going to get along. At least I don’t have to worry about rooming with someone I can’t stand.
Eden steps up next to me as both of us look out to where my parents dropped me off. They’re still there, my dad is comforting my mother. I have an urge, a huge one, to walk over and give them both another hug. Eden must know this as she shakes her head no. “It’ll get easier,” she says as we both stare at them.
I’m ready and waiting for her to start showing me shit but I have no clue which direction to walk in. I turn back and look at Eden who is currently nibbling on her worried lip.
“Who are you?” Her question is sincere, but out of place. “I know your name, but I’m curious why you’re at the school.”
I shrug. “I won a scholarship, so beats the hell out of me.” Eden starts walking away from the direction that my parents were, and I rapidly follow.
“There hasn’t been a transfer student here for well over a hundred years, it’s unheard of. Even if they’re a week late, they don’t get in. You’re a senior.” She looks at me waiting for a response, and I don’t fucking have one.
Again I shrug, not knowing what to tell her. I’ve always been Taylor Quinn from Queens, New York, and I’m pretty sure she’s able to read that in the paperwork she has for me.
She looks at me and nods as we walk, her heels clicking. “Just be careful. Someone wanted you here and it would terrify me if I didn’t know why.”
I nod gallantly. “My parents are wary, but this is an opportunity that we can’t let pass by.”
Eden stops walking, and turns toward me. “Damn straight. You can get any job guaranteed if you have a degree from this fucking school.” Now she nibbles on her well-manicured fingers. If we were closer friends, I could see myself smacking her hand away. “You have to be careful, at least until you graduate or we figure out why the hell you’re here.” I’m still in shock at how much this unknown girl has entered my life, but for some reason I trust her.
“Your school schedule.” Eden walks right next to me as we both start looking at the schedule. She flows perfectly in four-inch heels as I keep trying to not trip with someone walking this close to me.
I move my attention away from all the students running around like me, but far better dressed, and concentrate on the schedule that Eden is holding in her hands.
I’m strolling and not paying attention when I accidentally shoulder check somebody.
“Oh God, I am so sorry,” I say before I turn and look at my victim.
“Oh shit,” I hear mumbled from Eden.
Three gorgeous girls that fit right in to the school are now staring deadly at me. The sun has made a rare entrance in this weather, and is shining brightly like a halo behind all three girls.
The one in the middle was the queen of the group. She’s slightly in front of the other two who are flanking her. She gracefully moves over to me. Using her hip, she bumps me off the little ledge that I was standing next to.
I awkwardly drop three feet down, landing painfully on my ankle, shifting it slightly to the side. I growl instead of saying anything as my head snaps back up, looking at the three smiling bitches, and a very pissed off Eden.
“Freaking charity trash,” the queen mumbles as her and her two leeches walk by laughing.
Oh hell no, I grew up in a boxing club, well in the apartment right above it, my whole life. I would earn my money sparring, cleaning bodily fluid and letting professional boxers beat the shit out of me, but it paid decent.
I jump up ready to throw down. I can safely say that I can hold my own against one dude who can fight, and even a few nonfighters like this stupid fucking bitch.
Eden recognizes what’s going on as she walks right in front of me blocking my view. The girls turn around and blow me a kiss.
“Definitely not worth it, not these girls on your first day at this school,” Eden says still blocking my advance toward them. I imagine things aren’t that much different than high school. I know if I submit to their bullshit, for the next year I’m going to be a walking target.
Eden still continues to calm my ass down. For some reason I trust her as I reign in my anger, saving it for another fucking rainy day.
“Let’s go to lunch,” Eden proudly exclaims as she grabs my arm and starts to drag me to the cafeteria, leaving the bitches in the opposite direction.
She moves where she has her arm threaded through mine. “We’ll eat and then I’ll explain everything about the school and the monsters that control it.” I nod. I need to know what I’m getting into or at least how to play this game for the next year.
My feet suddenly stop as I follow Eden into the cafeteria. I’m in shock and I freaking admit it. This place looks like one of the nicest restaurants I have ever seen. We start to walk but Eden starts to
turn to the right and I move to the left to what looks like a buffet window stop.
“What are you doing?” Eden asked as she moves up to me, slightly tugging me in the direction that she’s going. She smiles as she says, “we order from our table.”
“What?” My eyes are way too big for my sockets now as I follow her direction still looking around. Over by the buffet window line, whatever it’s called, there’s at least ten men and women dressed in butler suits. They keep running food and drinks back and forth to different tables.
I check the individual tables we walk past and notice there’s a lot of booths. The upholstery covering these chairs doesn’t even have one fucking mark on them. The tables have thick, beautiful clean cloths covering them. We’ve been out to eat a few times when I was younger but this place blows everything else away. Even the freaking floor is not dirty, stained or has trash all over it. The wood is beautiful and immaculate. It looks like it was just shined before we came in here.
“Taylor, I would like you to meet your new best friends. The most awesome people that go to the school. Pierce and Chance.” She motions to a couple of guys that are snuggled very close together. “And this is Joss.” A fiery redhead waves back to me, polite but nervous.
“Girl, how the hell did you transfer into this school?” Chance is the one who asked this question. He’s a darker skinned student, but looks like he should be a model, absolutely stunning. His boyfriend, I’m guessing, gives me a wink as I give them both a shrug. The question I imagine I’ll get asked a lot and I still won’t have the freaking answer for.
“It’s a mystery,” Eden tells the guys as we sit down.
“This is how you order,” Eden states, sitting right next to me, across from the other three and working on an iPad. I watch and pay attention as she goes through the different options. “Just let me know if you want something, all we have to do is click and add it.”
I mumble out, “I don’t think I can afford this.” Apparently loud enough for everybody else to hear, as they all start to chuckle.
Several tables give us an annoyed glance. It’s not like we’re in a library.
“This is part of your scholarship,” Eden states as she waves between her and the other three, “it’s part of our tuition. You can come here anytime you want as long as they’re open and order food. You won’t have to pay for it.”
Eden freaking laughs as she whispers to the others, “twenty bucks she doesn’t know about the stipend.” All of them slightly laugh now. I glance over to them, but my attention is yanked back. Hello food.
Eden watches me for a second, when she’s finally had enough, she moves her hand to the bottom of my chin, slightly pushing up and getting me to close my damn fucking mouth. I try to swat her arm away as we all laugh.
Every food I’ve ever heard of and some that I haven’t are on this. I will not miss breakfast, lunch or dinner the whole time I’m here. I’m pretty fucking sure of that. I order two lobster rolls and a large Coke. Not the best healthy choice, but that’s something we don’t get very much of either, soda. I’m probably gonna gain at least fifty pounds and I’ll need to see the dentist by next month.
“Fuck you, Brett,” a girl screams out across the room as she tries to push a guy away but he doesn’t budget at all.
“Oh my God,” I spit out not realizing it, with my eyes bulging.
Eden follows the line of my sight, and so do the gays, and Joss. “Is that…” I keep pointing toward the Brett guy.
Eden chuckles. “Yeah. His dad is in the number one movie out right now.” At least this time I close my mouth before somebody else does it for me. The guy is laughing with the group of other hot looking guys and girls. They’re all looking comfortable in jeans and shirts, the girls are wearing tight dresses, too tight to fit any food in them.
“If you look over there, that’s the president’s son.” Damn, she’s right, as I look toward the other side of the room where a lanky guy with glasses is eating with a few other people. All of them are intently looking through books. “You’ll be shocked by what you see here. Everyone in this room comes from some kind of power or
prestige. It’s not even busy yet. The students don’t have to be here until Monday.”
I look at all of them, not trying to sound like an ass, and say, “who are you guys?” Pierce, I find out is French. So him and Chance like to call themselves French dark chocolate, it’s freaking adorable. They all laugh. “Pierce and Chance, both of their parents are movie producers. Joss, her mom is a supermodel and her dad some big Wall Street exec. You probably might recognize her mom, Renée Willow.”
“Holy shit, yes I do. Your mom is absolutely stunning, so are you.” Joss gives me a kind smile. This girl is really shy, she also nods her head at me.
I look toward Eden. “You?”
She smiles. “I am one of only five, now six, scholarship students. I was able to come for freshman to senior year. My high school years I had the best GPA in New York.”
I was not expecting that. “Does this mean you’ll help me with my homework?” The only thing I could think of to say. I know I could use the help, I’m average at best. She laughs, nodding.
“The people you need to stay away from is that group of guys.” She points toward a huge group of football players, half of them are in their uniform. They must’ve had training today. Sadness leaks only for a second through Eden’s eyes, I wonder if she had history with one of them. That’s a conversation for another day. “You also need to avoid those girls.” She smiles as she points to the table sitting directly next to the football guys. Of course the three bitches I had a run in with earlier are front and center at the head of that table. Great. The pain in my ankle throbs, reminding me of how much I dislike them.
Our food comes out, while Eden keeps talking, “there’s royalty here, a prince just graduated last year. Don’t be shocked by what you see when you walk around. I was when I first got here. People that you never thought you’d even be in the same room with.” I start stuffing my face as Eden leans closer to me, talking softer. “Last time someone tried to transfer in, was a royalty, I think it was the Queen’s son or grandson and they refused them entrance. Just
something to think about,” she stated, just as worried about this as I am, but I’m too fascinated with everything to care.
Pierce leans across the table and aims his head in the direction over by the cafeteria doors. “Look at those guys. Guards.”
I glance toward where he nodded. Men dressed up in suits and jeans are lining pretty much the whole interior of the cafeteria walls. It’s heavier guarded by the doors and gets more spaced out as you get farther into the room, but holy fucking shit. A few of them, I even noticed a bulge where a gun would be.
“They have to protect the most powerful, somehow. The majority of the students wouldn’t be allowed to attend without their guards,” Pierce states as I nod, trying to count what I think are the guards.
“Dammit, they could blow us away at any fucking time.” The table around me blows up in laughter as I realize that I mumbled that out loud and not to myself.
So far it’s not a bad first day, I think as I join them in their laughter.
Chapter Four
TAYLOR
“Hello,” I groan out as I answer my phone. What time is it?
“Taylor,” my dad’s deep gravel voice filters through.
“What’s wrong?” I sit straight up, wondering and freaked out if my parents are okay.
“You didn’t call us last night, like we planned. Your mom and I were worried.” I can hear the disappointment coming through the line.
“Crap, I’m sorry. With all the excitement I fell asleep.” A look at the time on my phone, only moving it away from my mouth for a second, noticing that it’s 6:15 in the morning. God I hate mornings.
My phone is snatched out of my hands and at the same time I feel a few of my hairs tugged loose. “Ouch,” I mumble out.
“Sorry,” a giggling Eden spits out. “Hi Mr. Quinn, my name is Eden Curran. I just wanted you to know that I’m Taylor’s roommate and I promise to watch after this girl for you.”
I hear laughter coming through the other end of the line. Eden moves the cell phone away from her ear and covers it so they can’t hear us. “Your dad is gruff.” She straightens her shoulders, mimicking a muscleman, doing so horribly.
“Yes Mr. Quinn, I will make sure that Taylor gets everything she needs. I’m down for the job.” She gives me a thumbs up as she nods her head and I start to laugh. “Yes, I’ll tell her that you will talk to her later.” She continues to listen, nodding her head up and down.
“Right after this call I’m gonna text you my number.” Now she just listens with wide eyes, staring at absolutely nothing on the far wall. “I would love that. It’s no problem at all. Okay, bye guys.”
With a big smile, Eden tosses my phone back to me. She’s such a sweet girl.
“Did your parents call you a lot when you first started?” She looks at me and laughs.
“God no. I think I talked to only my brother once, my parents are assholes.” I feel sad for her. I love my family to death, I can’t imagine not being close to them.
I get up and slowly start to get ready as Eden occupies herself with books and then switching over to the cell phone. I know she’s just waiting for me, there’s no way I’m passing up breakfast.
Of course the girl is up and ready to go for the day. She’s wearing the school T-shirt, a black pair of leather pants and ballet shoes. She totally pulls it off.
My parents have never called me or freaked out like this. Before, when I was at the community college and even when I went to the state college. Everything feels off with me being here and I suppose it should. But I’m not stupid enough to go digging for reasons that I should leave this college. Why the fuck would I let an opportunity like this go?
“I need coffee,” Eden laughs. “I thought I said that to myself.” I throw on a pair of jeans with a cute pair of fluffy socks and then stuff my feet into my Birkenstocks. Slip on a regular white T-shirt, one I’ve had forever. One of those comfortable ones you wear when you really don’t feel like figuring out what you’re going to wear. And since it’s still chilly this early, heading into fall, I put on my royal blue Santorin University hoodie.
“We need to walk fast,” Eden states as she passes me slightly in a jog, her stomach rumbling, demanding food. I laugh as she spits out, “I’m starving.” We’re college girls in our prime.
Thankfully, halfway there Eden decides to slow her steps, allowing me the delight of catching up. I’m just as hungry as she is but it’s a nicer day today, since the sun is starting to peek out now. I really want to get a look around when it’s not raining.
I’m doing exactly that as I run right into the back of Eden. I didn’t realize she stopped in front of me. “Oomph,” I say, quickly balancing myself before I end up toppling both of us.
I hear the soft sobs of a very curvy gorgeous girl with tears streaming down her face. Eden moves over to the bench where the girl is sitting and throws her arm around her. Squeezing the girl to her side in comfort.
She points between us. “Frankie this is Taylor, and Taylor this is Frankie.”
Frankie, when she sees me she smiles bright and welcoming, even though something is silently killing her inside, she lets go of it for somebody else. I love her already, even though I don’t know why she’s crying.
I smile at both of them but the girl was sobbing a few seconds ago, she needs somebody to talk her off a ledge or maybe she just needed a good cry. Either way, I start walking backwards distancing myself from them, giving those two some space and privacy to work out whatever’s going on.
My calf bumps into something behind me, not hard, maybe a stump or even a chair. I lean back, still watching Frankie and Eden. Unfortunately, at the same time a screaming nuisance of an alarm shoots off.
Frankie and Eden are now watching me. I swear I shot up at least ten feet into the sky but it was probably less than an inch. Both the girls are giving me an, ‘Oh shit’ face. The alarm scared the shit out of me, jolting my arms and causing my phone to smash against the precious metal. It happened when I came back down from that one inch height.
“Oh fuck,” I say as I get a good look at the fancy fucking car. I have no idea what it is, but it’s one of those where you could buy a very nice house instead.
Frankie and Eden jump to their feet and race over to me. This is happening at the same time a very hot young guy my age, wearing a very pissed off red face, storms out from the cafeteria doors. At least we’re close to food now.
