Before I can destroy this organization, I’ll first have to survive in it.
Chapter Twenty-One
JINX
I rush to Redwood Prep in the morning. I’d planned to get there before students arrived, but I overslept. Now, I’ll have to hunt around where everyone can see me.
I worked so hard to get Finn’s wallet last night.
I almostdiedfor it.
There’s no way I’m leaving my reward unclaimed.
I check my watch and chew on my bottom lip. It’s almost time for school to begin. If someone else finds that wallet before I get there, it’sover.
“My goodness,” my Uber driver gasps as we near Redwood. “What’s going on out here?”
I look through the windshield and nearly fall out of my seat. Sunlight glints against the roof of shiny, luxury vehicles. The cars form a long, winding line, each one a testament to the wealth of the students.
Traffic inches along, but my driver doesn’t seem too bothered. He’s busy admiring the fleet.
I tap my finger against my knee, struggling not to let my nervous energy spiral out of control. I’ve always prided myselfon being able to control my anxiety. It’s a skill I had to learn to survive.
But thanks to Finn seducing me last night, my plans burst into flames. I didn’t get to check the cameras to find out who was fighting behind Redwood yesterday, and I didn’t get to sneak into The Kings’ private practice room either.
I glance at my watch again.
I’m playing it too close. The chances that someone else spotted the wallet by now are increasing every second.
Should I abandon this plan?
Maybe there’s a chance I could steal a card from Dutch or Zane, but I doubt I can get that close to them.
This is my last opportunity.
“You can just let me out here,” I inform the driver.
Once I’m out of the cab, I fast-walk down the sidewalk. I’d break into a run if I could, but sadly, my heart can’t handle that much exertion.
Even now, my watch beeps in protest.
I slow my steps.
Up ahead, the beautiful academy appears. The aged brick and ivy stand in defiance against the clear blue sky.Whoa. Redwood Prep in the daytime isfardifferent from Redwood Prep at night.
The stained glass windows come alive with colors, sunlight bleeding in reds, blues, and golds. Inside, tall lockers stand next to sculptures and art pieces, strategically placed.
Everything is polished to a shine, an intricate mask to distract from the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface.
I like Redwood Prep when it’s like this—all professional and picture-perfect, but it’s a little… I don’t know.Boring.Everything gets more interesting when the masks come off.
I push through the large double doors and enter the crowded hallway. No one notices me. None of them recognize me. I’m a part of Redwood and yet separated from it all.
To finally be here, even for a moment, feels amazing.
“Did you get the invite to Paris’s party?”a cheerleader asks her friend as I pass by.
“No, that witch totally blocked me.”
